Why did Governor Andrew Cuomo make a public apology?
GOVERNOR Cuomo ex-staffer Charlotte Bennett, 25, recently came forward to denounce her former boss for allegedly harassing her. Charlotte’s claims came three days after another ex-aide, Lindsey Boylan, claimed Cuomo kissed her on the lips and suggested they play strip poker. Why did Governor Andrew Cuomo make a public apology? Cuomo issued a new statement admitting […]
GOVERNOR Cuomo ex-staffer Charlotte Bennett, 25, recently came forward to denounce her former boss for allegedly harassing her.
Charlotte’s claims came three days after another ex-aide, Lindsey Boylan, claimed Cuomo kissed her on the lips and suggested they play strip poker.
Why did Governor Andrew Cuomo make a public apology?
Cuomo issued a new statement admitting some things he said in the past to his female staffers could have been interpreted as “unwanted flirtation.”
He said: “Questions have been raised about some of my past interactions with people in the office.
“At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny.
“I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends.
“I do on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private.
“I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married.
“I mean no offence and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.
“I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended.
“I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation.
“To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.
“To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.
“That’s why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations.”
His statement came as a creepy video resurfaced in which the governor gives a female reporter a sandwich and asks her to “eat the whole sausage”
Is Cuomo being investigated?
New York attorney general Letitia James said she was ready to hire outside counsel to lead a probe with the power to subpoena witnesses.
A statement from James’ office said: “This is not a responsibility we take lightly.
“We will hire a law firm, deputize them as attorneys of our office, and oversee a rigorous and independent investigation.”
Cuomo initially tried to choose his own investigator to examine the claims made by the women – but yesterday bowed to pressure after Democrats turned on him and demanded an independent probe.
Lindsey Boylan claimed in her more than three years while working in his administration, Cuomo “would go out of his way to touch me on my lower back, arms and legs.”
She also alleged he compared her to one of his rumored ex-girlfriends, kissed her on the lips without consent, and once joked they should play strip poker during a flight on his official jet.
“I’m compelled to tell my story because no woman should feel forced to hide their experiences of workplace intimidation, harassment and humiliation — not by the Governor or anyone else,” Boylan said.
What did Nancy Pelosi say of Andrew Cuomo’s allegations?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Fox News: “The women who have come forward with serious and credible charges against Governor Cuomo deserve to be heard and to be treated with dignity.
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“The independent investigation must have due process and respect for everyone involved.”
Joe Biden’s spokeswoman also said the president backed the investigation.
New York state senator Alessandra Biaggi tweeted bluntly: “@NYGovCuomo, you are a monster, and it is time for you to go. Now.”