US Presidential Contender and New York Governor Accused of Sexual Harassment by 11 Women... Political Career at Risk

New York State Prosecutor Announces Results After 4-Month Investigation
Calls for Resignation of Biden, Pelosi, and Others
Cuomo Denies "Silence," Rejects Resignation Despite Political Life on the Brink

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York State who was considered a potential candidate for the next U.S. presidential election, is facing the end of his political career as allegations of sexual harassment have been confirmed. President Joe Biden and Democratic Party officials close to him immediately urged resignation and distanced themselves.

On the 3rd (local time), Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, revealed at a press conference that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former aides and retaliated against an employee who disclosed the harassment.

Attorney General James released a 165-page report after a four-month investigation into Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations since March. The report detailed Cuomo’s sexual misconduct, including instances where he put his hand inside the blouse of female staff members.

James stated, "Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment of 11 current and former aides violates federal and New York state laws." The victims were subjected to coercive sexual harassment by their superior in the governor’s office and at his residence.

Previously, Cuomo had been accused of sexual harassment by at least seven current and former female aides, but after investigating 179 people including state government officials, more victims were identified.

Jun Kim, a Korean-American former acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who led the special investigation, said, "Some victims experienced unwanted physical contact, and some had to endure repeated sexually inappropriate remarks. All victims felt humiliation and discomfort and considered the behavior inappropriate."

Cuomo, who was preparing for a fourth term as governor and was also mentioned as a potential candidate for the next U.S. presidential election, will not be indicted in this matter. However, high-ranking Democrats including President Biden immediately distanced themselves from Cuomo, pushing his political career to the brink. The image of Cuomo as a COVID-19 response hero, which emerged last year amid conflicts with former President Donald Trump, vanished in an instant.

When asked by reporters whether Governor Cuomo should resign, President Biden answered, "Yes." When asked if impeachment should follow if Cuomo refuses to resign, he said, "The state legislature can decide on impeachment." Biden’s remarks are interpreted as effectively severing ties with Cuomo, who supported him during last year’s presidential election.

Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker and the top Democrat in the House, also issued a statement saying, "I support the women who have come forward to tell the truth," and added, "While I acknowledge the governor’s love for New York and respect for the office, I urge him to resign."

Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York, Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Thomas Suozzi, U.S. Representative, and Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative, also issued statements urging Governor Cuomo to resign.

New York state legislators are expected to initiate impeachment proceedings. Carl Heastie, Democratic Speaker of the New York State Assembly, said on the same day, "An unqualified person is sitting in the governor’s seat," and pledged to move quickly to complete the impeachment investigation. CNN reported that at least 55 of the 63 state senators in New York support Cuomo’s resignation, exceeding the required majority.

Governor Cuomo strongly denied the prosecutor’s announcement, saying it was "very different from the facts," and claimed the investigation had political motives, refusing to resign. He argued that his physical contact was merely a gesture of friendliness and released numerous photos showing him cheek-to-cheek and hugging various people.