Governor Cuomo Faces Multiple Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Words by Emily Hernandez
Photo courtesy Shuttershock
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is under fire, after multiple women, including current and former state aides, accused him of sexual harassment and other inappropriate behavior.
The New York state attorney general, Letitia James, has opened an investigation into the claims. The investigators will have subpoena power to seek documents and compel witnesses, including the governor, to testify under oath. The inquiry may also handle potential claims from other women. Gov. Cuomo’s office has stated that they would “cooperate fully,” and that all state aides had been told to do so as well.
Both political parties have been pinned against Gov. Cuomo. Demand for his resignation has spread from Republicans to Democrats, with most of New York’s congressional delegation requesting that he step down. The State Assembly, controlled by Democrats, has opened an impeachment inquiry to include the harassment allegations, as well as concerns about tampering in the reporting of the number of deaths of nursing home residents due to COVID-19. “I can’t believe that the same Cuomo that New York City trusted and loved has all these allegations now,” says Melany Sanchez, a junior at City College. She recounts that she had high hopes for the governor, especially after the first stages of COVID-19 in the city.
Gov. Cuomo is firm on resisting calls for his resignation. So far, Gov. Cuomo has apologized for acting, “in a way that made people feel uncomfortable.” He said that he had no idea at the time that he was doing any harm. He also suggested that those demanding his resignation have political motives, driven by popular “cancel culture.” “I feel that everyone should get a chance to speak their side before I can truly make a judgment on him. I honestly feel indifferent [about Governor Cuomo] before and after these claims,” says Rafael Cedeno, a junior at City College.
Lindsey Boylan, a 36 year old former employee to Gov. Cuomo, was the first to accuse the governor of sexual harassment and kissing her against her will. On December 13, 2020, she wrote a series of tweets outlining her allegations for the first time. She tweeted, "Yes [Cuomo] sexually harassed me for years. Many saw it, and watched." At the time, the governor denied the accusations. "I believe a woman has the right to come forward and express her opinion and express issues and concerns that she has," Cuomo said, "But it's just not true."
Lindsey Boylan’s Twitter thread recounting her allegations against Governor Cuomo. Courtesy of Twitter.
In an online essay, Boylan recounted the years of uncomfortable interactions with Gov. Cuomo. She said her boss at the time had told her Gov. Cuomo had a “crush” on her. In October 2017, Boylan wrote that Cuomo had told her they should “play strip poker” during a flight from an event in Western New York. The harassment continued into 2018, when she said that Cuomo gave her an unsolicited kiss at his Manhattan office. “As I got up to leave and walk toward an open door, he stepped in front of me and kissed me on the lips.” wrote Boylan. The governor’s office has denied Boylan’s allegations.
Dozens of current and former employees describe the governor’s office more broadly as a toxic workplace, particularly for young women. Alyssa McGrath, a 33 year old employee of the governor’s office, said that it was common knowledge around the office that Gov. Cuomo would play favorites among female staffers. Charlotte Bennett, a 25 year old former employee of the governor, claims that the governor had been sexually harassing her last year. Bennett stated that she reported the interaction to the governor’s Chief of Staff, along with a statement to a special counsel to the governor, and was transferred to a different job. She ended up leaving the administration in November. In a statement, Cuomo described Bennett as a “hard-working and valued member” of his staff.
New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said on March 11 that the Assembly Judiciary Committee would begin an impeachment investigation. "The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents, and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution,” Heastie stated. However, there is speculation on whether there is a stalling effect with the Assembly speaker in control of the process. Attorney General Letitia James said the Assembly investigation will not conflict with the one her office is leading. "Today's action by the New York state legislature will have no bearing on our independent investigation into these allegations against Governor Cuomo. Our investigation will continue," James said. 121 members of the state Assembly and Senate, including 65 Democrats and 56 Republicans, have said Cuomo should resign, according to The Associated Press.
