New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, investigation finds

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

August 3, 2021 at 12:55

The report could provide momentum for calls for Cuomo to resign, as well as a possible impeachment

An investigation into New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo found that he sexually harassed multiple current and former state government employees, state Attorney General Letitia James announced Tuesday.

The nearly five-month investigation, conducted by two outside lawyers who spoke to 179 people, found that the Cuomo administration was a "hostile work environment" and that it was "rife with fear and intimidation."

People interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the executive chamber, state troopers, additional state employees and others who interacted regularly with the governor.

"These interviews and pieces of evidence revealed a deeply disturbing yet clear picture: Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of federal and state laws," James said at a press conference on Tuesday.

On at least one occasion, the investigation found, Cuomo and his senior staff worked to retaliate against a former employee who accused him of wrongdoing. Cuomo was also found to have harassed women outside of government, the investigation found.

Former adviser alleges retaliation

James said the investigation wouldn't have been possible without the "heroic women who came forward."

Cuomo faced multiple allegations last winter that he inappropriately touched and sexually harassed women who worked with him or who he met at public events. One aide in his office said he groped her breast.

Lindsey Boylan, a former state economic development adviser for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, speaks at a rally in Manhattan on March 20. Boylan alleged unwanted touching and kissing from the governor, as well as retaliation efforts from his office. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/The Associated Press)

Another, Lindsey Boylan, said Cuomo kissed her on the lips after a meeting in his office. He "would go out of his way to touch me on my lower back, arms and legs," she said.

After Boylan first made her allegations public in December, the Cuomo administration undercut her story by releasing personnel memos to media outlets revealing that Boylan resigned after she was confronted about complaints she belittled and yelled at her staff.

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