Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed at the very least 13 state staffers over a span of eight years whereas he was governor of New York, the Justice Division introduced on Friday.
The revelation comes as a part of an settlement to settle the DOJ’s sexual misconduct investigation into Cuomo, and largely confirms the findings of New York Legal professional Normal Letitia James’ personal damning probe into Cuomo’s conduct, which led to the political scion’s resignation in 2021.
The DOJ settlement launched Friday concludes that Cuomo led a “sexually hostile work surroundings” wherein he “repeatedly subjected” girls to non-consensual contact and different inappropriate conduct, and that retaliation was visited upon anybody who complained about his habits.
“The conduct within the govt chamber beneath the previous governor, the state’s strongest elected official, was particularly egregious due to the stark energy differential concerned and the victims’ lack of avenues to report and redress harassment,” U.S. Assistant Legal professional Normal for the Civil Rights Division Kristen Clarke mentioned in an announcement.
Cuomo has repeatedly denied doing something improper. He referred to as James’ investigation “flawed,” “unfair,” and “politically motivated” in asserting his resignation in August of 2021, insisting he was solely stepping apart with a view to “let authorities get again to authorities.”
Rita Glavin, an legal professional for Cuomo, equally smeared James’ probe on Friday, calling it “deeply flawed, inaccurate, biased, and deceptive report,” and alleging it was the premise for the DOJ’s investigation.
Along with detailing its findings about Cuomo’s habits, the DOJ’s settlement lists office reforms that present New York Governor Kathy Hochul has applied since her predecessor left workplace.
“The second I took workplace, I knew I wanted to root out the tradition of harassment that had beforehand plagued the Government Chamber and implement robust insurance policies to advertise a secure office for all workers, and took instant motion to take action,” Hochul mentioned in an announcement. “I’m happy that the U.S. Division of Justice has acknowledged the importance of these efforts, and look ahead to partnering with them as we proceed to construct upon that success.”
