Cuomo, 63, does NOT quit despite NY Dems promising guaranteed impeachment after AG's sex-pest report: Biden and Dem governors call on him to RESIGN and one accuser labels him a 'circus act'

  • President Joe Biden called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign on Tuesday afternoon, following in the footsteps of other high-profile Democrats 
  • 'I think he should resign,' Biden told reporters during a Q&A session after he delivered remarks on COVID-19 
  • Biden's call directly follows House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement that she believes the New York Democrat should step down 
  • The Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Carl Heastie, said on Tuesday evening that Cuomo has lost the confidence of the Democratic majority and 'can no longer remain in office.' He says he looks to conclude the impeachment investigation 'as quickly as possible' 
  • Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his fellow New York senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, called for Cuomo to go
  • Twelve New York representatives - including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Carolyn Maloney, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, and Jerry Nadler, chair of the House Judiciary Committee - all called for him to resign
  • Charlotte Bennett, one of the 11 women to accuse him, said on Tuesday night that he needed to resign and said his press conference was 'a circus' and insulting to her and other accusers

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Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday night was clinging on to power, despite his impeachment seeming inevitable after the state Democrats declared that they had lost confidence in the governor and would vote against him.

President Joe Biden led calls for Cuomo to resign, echoing demands made by other Democratic Congressional leaders, as one of his most high-profile accusers said she felt 'vindicated' by the attorney general's report. 

The governors of neighboring Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut, plus Rhode Island, all joined in the chorus of condemnation. All four are fellow Democrats.  

Carl Heastie, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, said later on Tuesday that Cuomo has lost the confidence of the Democratic majority and 'can no longer remain in office.' 

He said he hopes to conclude the impeachment investigation 'as quickly as possible.'  

During the video meeting of the state Democrats, which began at 2pm. and stretched for more than two and a half hours, most of the lawmakers who spoke said that they believed enough evidence existed for the Assembly to draw up articles of impeachment as soon as possible, The New York Times reported.

Andrew Cuomo is pictured in January 2020 with Carl Heastie, the Assembly Speaker. On Tuesday Heastie, who had been a strong ally of the governor's, said that he could no longer rule and would be impeached if he did not resign

Andrew Cuomo is pictured in January 2020 with Carl Heastie, the Assembly Speaker. On Tuesday Heastie, who had been a strong ally of the governor's, said that he could no longer rule and would be impeached if he did not resign

Heastie, a congressman for the Bronx as well as being Speaker, issued a statement on Tuesday after his caucus met for two and a half hours to discuss how to proceed

Heastie, a congressman for the Bronx as well as being Speaker, issued a statement on Tuesday after his caucus met for two and a half hours to discuss how to proceed

Cuomo, who has always denied the allegations, gave a televised address an hour after James' report was released during which he denied all of the claims and called the report a political attack on his character

Cuomo, who has always denied the allegations, gave a televised address an hour after James' report was released during which he denied all of the claims and called the report a political attack on his character

New York Speaker Carl Heastie, who would oversee impeachment proceedings against Cuomo, released this statement on Tuesday saying an investigation was underway and would conclude 'expeditiously'. Critics say the legislature needs to act fast to remove the Governor, who has 'lost the confidence' of his peers

About 50 or 60 people spoke, the people said, and the discussion focused on the issue of timing: how fast could the Assembly draw up the articles and make them thorough enough for an impeachment trial in the State Senate?

'There was not a single word of support for the governor,' a source told the paper.  

Heastie has long been seen as a defender of Cuomo, but on Tuesday felt that the tide had turned.

If Cuomo is impeached, the Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, would see out the rest of his term, which ends following the November 2022 election.

'The attorney general's investigation has documented repulsive and unlawful behavior by the governor towards multiple women,' said Hochul on Tuesday. 

'I believe these brave women and admire their courage coming forward.  

'The Assembly will now determine the next steps. Because lieutenant governors stand next in the line of succession, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the process at this moment.' 

It will take 76 votes to impeach Cuomo. The 43-member Republican conference would likely support such a move unanimously. 

New York Senate Minority and Majority Leaders both called for him to resign. 

'The Attorney General's report clearly and concisely documents that Governor Cuomo engaged in disturbing and unacceptable behavior,' Senate Minority Leader Michael Gianaris said.

'Andrew Cuomo lacks the integrity required to be the leader of our state and can no longer serve as New York's Governor.

'He must heed the calls of so many New York leaders and resign.' 

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins said: 'This report highlights unacceptable behavior Cuomo and his administration. 

'The Governor must resign for the good of the state. 

'Now that the investigation is complete, and the allegations have been substantiated, it should be clear to everyone that he can no longer serve as Governor.'

His most powerful ally, Joe Biden, on Tuesday said he had to go. 

'I think he should resign,' Biden said, after telling reporters that he stood by his previous statement that if the investigation found accusations of sexual harassment against Cuomo were credible, the New York Democrat should step aside. 

The president answered, 'let's take one thing at a time here,' when asked if Cuomo should be impeached and removed from office. 

He also demurred when asked if Cuomo should be prosecuted. 

Cuomo is contesting a damning report from AG Letitia James that found he did sexually harass 11 women.  

He unveiled a photo montage on Tuesday showing him hugging and kissing numerous public figures including Bill Clinton, Obama, and Joe Biden - which the New York governor says is proof that he didn't sexually harass women.

'I've been making the same public gesture all my life. I actually learnt it from my mother and my father,' a defiant Cuomo said on Tuesday, referring to the late New York Governor Mario Cuomo and his widow, Matilda Cuomo. 

Cuomo said that while he 'accepts responsibility,' he made no hint of planning to resign. 

And following this, one of the 11, Charlotte Bennett, on Tuesday night told CBS she felt 'vindicated' and that he needed to resign.

Charlotte Bennett, who worked for Cuomo last year, told CBS News she felt 'vindicated' by the report

Charlotte Bennett, who worked for Cuomo last year, told CBS News she felt 'vindicated' by the report

She described his defiant press conference - in which he spent significant time discussing her allegations in particular - as 'propaganda' and self-serving, calling it 'weird' and 'a circus act'. 

Cuomo claims it omits facts and is a political attack on him - despite growing calls to step down and the increasing likelihood of impeachment. 

Cuomo had used a photo of Biden in his slideshow of touchy-feely behavior, explaining it away as it being just how he is.

When asked being included, Biden replied: 'Look, I'm not going to fly speck this.'     

He added: 'I'm sure there were some embraces that were totally innocent, but apparently the attorney general decided there were things that weren't.' 

President Joe Biden called on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign during a Q&A session at the White House Tuesday afternoon

President Joe Biden called on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign during a Q&A session at the White House Tuesday afternoon 

What next for Andrew Cuomo?

It looks like checkmate for Andrew Cuomo as pressure grows on him to step down despite his desperate attempts to cling on to power.

Senior Democrats including President Joe Biden are pushing for Cuomo to resign, with some looking to impeach the embattled politician.

New York state assembly speaker Carl Heastie, who launched an impeachment inquiry in March, said Cuomo has 'lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority' and 'can no longer remain in office', according to CNN.

If Cuomo tries to cling on to power rather than step down, he will likely face an impeachment probe. 

Impeachment would be carried out by the New York state assembly which is made up of 150 lawmakers.

Only a majority of votes is needed for impeachment for 'misconduct of malversation', according to the state constitution.

The assembly's makeup is overwhelmingly Democrat, with 106 out of 150 seats, and a majority of 76 votes needed for impeachment. 

If impeached, Cuomo would be succeeded by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

A trial would then be held by the New York senate where Democrats hold 43 of 63 seats and a two-thirds majority is needed to convict. 

If convicted, Cuomo would be removed from office, but if he is found not guilty, he could return to being governor. 

An impeachment probe launched in March is still ongoing and lawmakers are meeting to decide whether to proceed or draft articles in other areas of Cuomo's leadership relating to the nursing homes Covid scandal, cover-up allegations over the Mario Cuomo Bridge, and claims of using state resources for personal gain.

So far, Cuomo has insisted he has done nothing wrong and has made no moves to step down as he tries to cling on to power.

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Biden said he hadn't spoken to Cuomo on Tuesday. 

'I've not read the report. I don't know the detail of it. All I know is the end result,' the president said.   

Biden was delivering remarks on COVID-19 and stuck around to answer questions. 

Bennett, who worked for him, said it was a relief to be believed.

'Today was so validating and really emotional, and I feel vindicated,' she told CBS.

'It's been a long day, but I'm proud to be a New Yorker right now.

'He's trying to justify himself by making me out to be someone who can't tell the difference between sexual harassment and mentorship. 

'We have a report. We have the facts. The governor broke federal and state law when he sexually harassed me and current and former staffers.

'And if he is not willing to step down then we have a responsibility to act and impeach him.

'He sexually harassed me. I am not confused. It is not confusing. I am living in reality. And it is sad to see he is not.'

Cuomo said that he was trying to help Bennett deal with the trauma of a previous sexual assault, but Bennett told CBS this was not the case.

'His intention was trying to sleep with me,' she said, dismissing his explanation of cultural or generational misunderstandings.

'Publicly he would rather play dumb. Privately he knows he sexually harassed staffers.

'And I think it's easier to explain his behavior publicly be saying there was some misunderstanding.'

She added: 'Accepting responsibility means stepping down. I don't believe him. I don't want an apology - it's not necessary. It's fake.

'And his propaganda video was downright weird and unnecessary.'

She said his only concern was 'maintaining the power he has' rather than 'protecting New York'..

Bennett accused him of 'normalizing not only victim blaming, but sexual harassment' and said it was dangerous and 'a circus act.'

'It sends a message that sexual harassment is not important, and not dangerous. It is important, and it's just plain illegal.'  

On Tuesday night the Democrat governors of four states in the north east who worked closely with Cuomo during the pandemic said it was time for him to resign. 

Ned Lamont, the governor of Connecticut, on Tuesday night called on Cuomo to resign
Phil Murphy, New Jersey's governor and a close ally of Cuomo's added his voice to calls for the New York governor to go

Ned Lamont of Connecticut (left) and Phil Murphy of New Jersey on Tuesday night called for Cuomo to resign

Tom Wolf, the governor of Pennsylvania, added his name to the statement calling for Cuomo to go
Rhode Island's governor Dan McKee also demanded Cuomo resign

Pennsylvania's Tom Wolf (left) and Dan McKee of Rhode Island (right) made up the four governors calling on Cuomo to resign

'We are appalled at the findings of the independent investigation by the New York Attorney General. Governor Cuomo should resign from office,' they said.

The statement was signed by Phil Murphy of New Jersey; Ned Lamont of Connecticut; Dan McKee of Rhode Island and Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania. 

Their resignation calls came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed the same opinion. 

Pelosi called James' investigation 'comprehensive and independent.'   

'As always, I commend the women who came forward to speak their truth,' Pelosi said. 

'Recognizing his love of New York and the respect for the office he holds, I call upon the Governor to resign.' 

Twelve New York representatives, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called on Cuomo to resign

Twelve New York representatives, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called on Cuomo to resign

Twelve New York representatives - including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Carolyn Maloney, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, and Jerry Nadler, chair of the House Judiciary Committee - also all called for him to resign.

James released her long-awaited report into the allegations against embattled Cuomo on Tuesday morning. 

It says he sexually harassed 11 women including some whose allegations were not previously known, like two state troopers and an executive assistant who says he groped her breast at the governor's mansion in Albany in November 2020.  

James said all of the allegations are corroborated but she has not recommended any criminal charges against him, saying the scope of her work didn't include prosecution. 

There has since been an onslaught of calls for him to resign afterwards on both sides of the aisle, including from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who went as far as to call for him to be impeached.  

In his address, Cuomo he said he is a 'warm' person who sometimes 'slips' and calls women who work for him 'sweetheart and darling', but insisting he has never been predatory or physical in his interactions with staffers.

His attorney has also released an 85-page rebuttal to the report which she says she will continue to update. 

'Even on a quick first review, it is clear that the report purposefully omits key evidence,' said Cuomo's attorney Rita M. Glavin. 

In his televised address, Cuomo used a slideshow of images of him hugging and kissing people throughout his life to demonstrate what he described as an affectionate and tactile personality, that he says the women have confused for a sexual predator.      

Biden spoke moments after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent out a statement calling on Cuomo to resign

Biden spoke moments after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent out a statement calling on Cuomo to resign 

The 168-report was released on Tuesday after a five month investigation by the NY AG. It substantiated the allegations of 11 women who say Cuomo sexually harassed them either by groping them or making inappropriate comments dating back to 2013

The 168-report was released on Tuesday after a five month investigation by the NY AG. It substantiated the allegations of 11 women who say Cuomo sexually harassed them either by groping them or making inappropriate comments dating back to 2013 

New York Attorney General Letitia James announcing her findings on Tuesday after a five month investigation. She said she believes all of the women but she cannot bring criminal charges, instead saying her focus was on determining if the allegations were true

New York Attorney General Letitia James announcing her findings on Tuesday after a five month investigation. She said she believes all of the women but she cannot bring criminal charges, instead saying her focus was on determining if the allegations were true 

'This has been a long and painful period for me and my family as others feed stories to the press,' he said. 

'I never touched anyone inappropriately. The facts are much different to what has been portrayed. 

'I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public service. That is just not who I am or who I ever have been.' 

He went on: 'Trial by newspaper and biased reviews are not the way to find the facts. I welcome the opportunity for a full and fair review before a judge and jury because this just did not happen.' 

 'It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor. 'He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately,
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio  

He had been asked if Cuomo should resign. 

In his rebuttal, Cuomo said he would never sexually harass anyone, much less a sexual assault survivor like Charlotte Bennett - one of the accusers - and claimed he has helped a female relative overcome sexual abuse himself.

He said that the women invariably misinterpreted his 'warm' gestures like hugs and kisses, or misunderstood compliments.  

After he spoke, critics renewed calls for him to resign and some suggested he should be impeached.   

'My first thoughts are with the women who were subject to this abhorrent behavior, and their bravery in stepping forward to share their stories,' said Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City. 

CUOMO FACING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND IMPEACHMENT 

The Albany District Attorney said on Tuesday he would use the NY Attorney General's report in Andrew Cuomo in an ongoing criminal investigation into the embattled governor as New York State Democrats plotted to impeach him. 

Cuomo, who denies the allegations in the report, has vowed to fight them and is refusing to step down. 

Now some of the most senior Democrats in the New York Legislature are planning to draw up articles to impeach him. 

'Governor Cuomo must resign. The Attorney General's report leaves no room for any other acceptable course. 

'It confirms that federal and state laws were broken. 11 women is 11 too many,' Senator Liz Krueger, one of the most senior Democrats in New York's Senate, tweeted. 

AG Letitia James did not weigh any criminal charges against Cuomo but Albany DA David Soares has launched an investigation and is asking women to come forward.  

'We will be formally requesting investigative materials obtained by the AG's Office and we welcome any victim to contact our office with additional information.

'As this matter is developing and we are reviewing the document released by the AG today, we will refrain from any additional public comment at this time regarding the status of the ongoing criminal investigation by our office,' he tweeted in a statement.  

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that if Cuomo continues to resist calls to step down, he must be impeached. 

'It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor. 

'He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately.'

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'The Attorney General's detailed and thorough report substantiates many disturbing instances of severe misconduct. 

'Andrew Cuomo committed sexual assault and sexual harassment, and intimidated a whistleblower. 

'It is disqualifying.

'It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor. 

'He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately.'  

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released a joint statement calling for Cuomo's resignation.

'As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. 

'Today's report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories - and we commend the women for doing so.

'The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers and created a hostile work environment.

'No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor's office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.'  

The 168-page report by James' office finds that Cuomo fostered a 'toxic work environment' where women were punished for reporting their allegations. 

It says that instead of dealing with the complaints properly, the women were simply moved out of his orbit, into different departments. 

The report cites 'relevant laws' as Employer Liability and Executive Chamber Policy.  The Governor, who has always denied the allegations, is yet to respond to the report's findings. 

Among the allegations which the report says are true is that he sexually harassed a state trooper by running his 'finger from her neck down her spine' while they were sharing an elevator and saying 'hey you'. 

He is also said to have rubbed a state employee's stomach, ran his finger across the chest of another woman, and engaged in 'widespread pattern' of subjecting women to 'unwanted hugs'.  

The report concludes: 'The Governor sexually harassed a number of State employees through unwelcome and unwanted touching, as well as by making numerous offensive and sexually suggestive comments. 

'We find that such conduct was part of a pattern of behavior that extended to his interactions with others outside of State government.' 

Non-consensual touching, repeatedly made comments of a sexualized, gender based nature. Cuomo was grilled for 11 hours as part of the investigation. 

During questioning, the report says he 'did not dispute that he sometimes commented on staff members' appearance and attire (although generally only to compliment), and stated that, being 'old fashioned,'. 

He said he uses terms like 'honey', 'sweetheart' and 'darling' and that he regularly gave women hugs and kisses - sometimes on the lips.  

THE BOMBSHELL CUOMO REPORT  - TEXTS BETWEEN AIDES REVEAL HOW HE MADE GIRLS 'DO PUSH UPS' AND REVEAL HE SANG 'I LOVE YOU BABY' TO ONE ACCUSER DOWN THE PHONE

Charlotte Bennett, in an Instagram story selfie, said the Governor had challenged her to a 'push-up competition'

Charlotte Bennett, in an Instagram story selfie, said the Governor had challenged her to a 'push-up competition' 

The bombshell, 163-page report reveals new details including the evidence used by investigators to reach their findings. 

Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the  'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable. 

Others include emails from some of Cuomo's staff, including one with a tweet by one of his accusers which shows her support of Cuomo. 

The aide sent it to an AP reporter in an apparent attempt to discredit the accuser. 

The investigators also included an Instagram selfie where Bennett also boasted: 'The governor invited me to lift weights with him. 

'He challenged me to a push-up competition'. 

She had told her parents how he was surprised to learn that she lifted weights and boxed, and that he had asked her to do push-ups in the office. 

Elsewhere, current aides discuss their strategy on how to respond to the allegations and they used Biden's response to his accuser, Tara Reade. 

They also discussed an op-ed that Cuomo wanted to write to discredit Boylan, one of the accusers, and said of one woman's allegation: 'This doesn't pass the smell test'. 

It was a reference to Anna Ruch and her complaint about Cuomo grabbing her face and kissing her on the cheek at a wedding in 2019. 

In texts to another aide, Bennett said Cuomo repeated to her 'over and over' that she had been 'raped'.  

Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the 'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable.
Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the 'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable.

Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the 'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable.

Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the 'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable.
Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the 'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable.

Those include text messages between Charlotte Bennett and another aide, and conversations she had with her parents where she had she had a 'great conversation' with the 'Governor', and others where she says he made her feel uncomfortable.

Cuomo told Bennett that he was 'lonely' because his ex-girlfriend Sandra Lee was not replying to him as he spilled his heart out to the 25-year-old staffer.

But the governor said no to Bennett's suggestion he date Chelsea Handler because she was 'nuts', the New York state Attorney General report into his sexual misconduct reveals.

Cuomo also said no to Bennett's suggestion that he date Jada Pinkett Smith because she is married.  

Cuomo, 63, asked Bennett to memorize the lyrics to the song Danny Boy and once sang the 1950s hit 'Do You Love Me' down the phone to her.

She also suggested Chelsea Handler but Cuomo rejected that idea, saying Handler is 'crazy'
Charlotte Bennett suggested Jada Pinkett Smith as a girlfriend for Cuomo
Charlotte Bennett suggested Jada Pinkett Smith as a girlfriend for Cuomo

Charlotte Bennett recalled that Cuomo 'wants to get drunk and get on his motorbike and take a woman into the mountains and forget about the pandemic for a few hours'. When the conversation returned to finding the governor a girlfriend, Bennett 'didn't know what to say' so she suggested Jada Pinkett Smith and Chelsea Handler. The notes say: 'He said CH (Handler) was crazy'.

The notes where Charlotte Bennet describes advising him to date Chelsea Handler or Jada Pinkett Smith but he says Handler is 'nuts'

The notes where Charlotte Bennet describes advising him to date Chelsea Handler or Jada Pinkett Smith but he says Handler is 'nuts' 

The appendices to the report appear to include notes taken by investigators interviewing Bennett.

They show that on June 5 last year Bennett had a discussion with Cuomo where they began talking about relationships.

The notes state that Cuomo 'brought up his ex - he said Sandy (Sandra Lee) was not talking to him' - the couple had ended their eight-year relationship in 2019.

Cuomo said he was 'lonely, that he was not sleeping well, he was looking for a girlfriend'.

Cuomo told Bennett she was 'in charge of finding him a girlfriend'.

At the time Cuomo was winning national plaudits for his handling of the pandemic and his daily press conferences which would later win him an Emmy.

But according to the notes, Bennett recalled that Cuomo 'wants to get drunk and get on his motorbike and take a woman into the mountains and forget about the pandemic for a few hours'.

When the conversation returned to finding the governor a girlfriend, Bennett 'didn't know what to say' so she suggested Jada Pinkett Smith and Chelsea Handler.

The notes say: 'He said CH (Handler) was crazy'. 

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo among his brother's crisis management team 


Chris Cuomo was part of an 'inner circle' of advisers brought in to do damage control in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against his brother, a bombshell report into the New York governor's misconduct reveals.

Chris Cuomo was part of an 'inner circle' of advisers brought in to do damage control in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against his brother, according to a bombshell report into Andrew Cuomo's misconduct

Chris Cuomo was part of an 'inner circle' of advisers brought in to do damage control in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against his brother, according to a bombshell report into Andrew Cuomo's misconduct 

The CNN presenter was one of a dozen other confidantes called in to help 'control and direct the response' to the claims, despite none being employed by the State of New York. 

The investigation found Chris and other advisers counseled Governor Andrew Cuomo to 'express contrition' after the allegations from Charlotte Bennett, the second accuser to come forward, emerged in February. 

The governor ultimately took his brother's advice and issued a press release on February 27 saying he did not 'intend to act in any way that was inappropriate.'

According to the report, investigators also found it 'revealing and consistent with the Executive Chamber's overall approach' that Cuomo's inner circle of advisers 'included a number of individuals with no official role in the Executive Chamber.' 

Among those involved were PR consultant Jefrey Pollock, who was hired by Cuomo for public relations work, Democrat PR strategist Lis Smith, former staffer Steve Cohen, and Linda Lacewell, who was known as Cuomo's 'enforcer.'  

'Some had never served in the Executive Chamber, and others, like Mr. Cohen, had not served there in a decade. None of them was officially retained in any capacity by the Executive Chamber or any of the individuals involved,' the report states. 

'Nonetheless, they were regularly provided with confidential and often privileged information about state operations and helped make decisions that impacted State business and employees - all without any formal role, duty, or obligation to the State.'

Chris, 50, was also brought in even though his only credentials appear to be being related to Cuomo and working in the media.

Emails show Chris also apparently helped craft a response by drafting a written statement characterizing Andrew as someone who is sometimes 'playful' and 'makes jokes'.

The news anchor came under fire in May after admitting that he had been 'looped into calls' on how his high-profile brother should handle the allegations, on his primetime CNN show. 

Some of Chris' staffers were also on the phone at the time. 

The revelation drew harsh criticism from his own colleague Jake Tapper, who accused Chris of putting network employees in 'a bad spot' and said he couldn't 'imagine a world in which anybody in journalism thinks that that was appropriate.'

The younger Cuomo later apologized for his behavior and acknowledged he had made a 'mistake.'

In May Chris said he is 'truly sorry' and admits he crossed the line taking part in strategy calls advising his brother Gov. Andrew Cuomo through his sex-pest scandal

In May Chris said he is 'truly sorry' and admits he crossed the line taking part in strategy calls advising his brother Gov. Andrew Cuomo through his sex-pest scandal

The governor made numerous appearances on his own brother's show last year, for lighthearted interviews that featured brotherly banter

The governor made numerous appearances on his own brother's show last year, for lighthearted interviews that featured brotherly banter

'I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again. It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot. I never intended for that. I would never intend for that and I am sorry for that,' he said at the time. 

'I love my brother. I love my family. I love my job, and I love and respect my colleagues here at CNN. And again, to them I am truly sorry.' 

Despite not being employed by the State, Cuomo's advisers were 'regularly provided with confidential and often privileged information about state operations'

Despite not being employed by the State, Cuomo's advisers were 'regularly provided with confidential and often privileged information about state operations' 

Emails show Chris also apparently helped draft a written statement characterizing Andrew as someone who is 'playful' and 'makes jokes' sometimes

Emails show Chris also apparently helped draft a written statement characterizing Andrew as someone who is 'playful' and 'makes jokes' sometimes

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THE 11 WOMEN CUOMO HARASSED WITH UNWANTED TOUCHING, KISSING, INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS AND RETALIATION 

'Executive Assistant One' 

The report says Cuomo groped 'Executive Assistant One' repeatedly sexually harassed her when she worked for him by subjecting her to 'close and intimate hugs', 'kisses on the cheeks and forehead', 'at least one kiss on the lips' and 'touching her butt'. 

He allegedly referred to her and one other assistant as 'mingle mamas' and asked her repeatedly if she would ever cheat on her husband. 

In November 2020, he allegedly groped her breast at the Executive Mansion in Albany. 

'For over three months, Executive Assistant #1 kept this groping incident to herself and planned to take it 'to the grave,' but found herself becoming emotional (in a way that was visible to her colleagues in the Executive Chamber) while watching the Governor state, at a press conference on March 3, 2021, that he had never 'touched anyone inappropriately.'

She then confided in certain of her colleagues, who in turn reported her allegations to senior staff in the Executive Chamber, the report says. 

State Trooper #1 

The report says Cuomo sexually harassed a state trooper, referred to as Trooper #1, who he hired onto his protective detail, bending the three-year experience requirement. 

Once she was on his team, he allegedly 'sexually harassed her on a number of occasions' by 'running his hand across her stomach  from her belly button to her right hip while she held a door open for him at an event', 'running his finger down her back' while they were in an elevator together and saying 'hey you', kissing her on the cheek. 

He also allegedly asked her to help him find a girlfriend and said he wanted someone who 'liked pain', and asked her why she wanted to get married, saying 'your sex drive goes down'. 

'Trooper #1 found these interactions with the Governor not only offensive and uncomfortable, but markedly different from the way the Governor interacted with members of the PSU who were men, and she conveyed these incidents contemporaneously to colleagues,' the report reads. 

Charlotte Bennett

Charlotte Bennett

Charlotte Bennett 

Bennett worked briefly for Cuomo as an aide. 

AG Letitia James says her allegations that Cuomo harassed her with a series of comments are corroborated. 

Among his alleged remarks are questions about if she'd date older men, asking her help to find a girlfriend, and apparently quizzing her on a sexual assault she had endured. 

One of the other comments that he made was that he wanted to ride into the mountains with women. 

State Entity Employee #1

The unidentified employee said she attended an event with Cuomo in September 2019. 

After giving a speech, Cuomo is said to have posed for pictures with her. While the picture was being taken, he 'grabbed her butt'. 

'The employee was shocked and discussed it with a number of friends, family and co-workers,' the report says. 

She also 'memorialized the Governor's inappropriate touching' contemporaneously, but the report doesn't say how.  

State Entity Employee #2  - Doctor who gave Cuomo his COVID test on camera

One of the women whose allegations were corroborated was the doctor who performed his COVID-19 test at one of his March 2020 press conferences. 

She says that when he told her, in front of cameras 'nice to see you doctor, you make that gown look good,' it was sexual harassment. 

One of the women whose allegations were corroborated was the doctor who performed his COVID-19 test at one of his March 2020 press conferences.

One of the women whose allegations were corroborated was the doctor who performed his COVID-19 test at one of his March 2020 press conferences.

She says that when he told her, in front of cameras 'nice to see you doctor, you make that gown look good,' it was sexual harassment.

She says that when he told her, in front of cameras 'nice to see you doctor, you make that gown look good,' it was sexual harassment.

The investigators agreed. They also said that before the test, he asked her not to swab him so hard that it 'hit his brain'. 

She replied that she'd be 'gentle but accurate' and he said 'I've heard that before.'

The doctor said his remark was 'implied in a sexual nature'. 

Virginia Limmiatis

Virginia Liammiatis worked for National Grid and was wearing a t-shirt with the company's name written across her chest when she says she met Cuomo. 

He ran his 'two fingers across her chest, pressing down on each of the letters as he did so and reading out the name of the company as he went'. 

The report says he then 'leaned in, with his face close to her cheek, and said 'I'm going to say I see a spider on your shoulder' before brushing the area between her shoulder and her breasts'.  

'Ms. Limmiatis came forward in this investigation after she heard the Governor state, during the March 3, 2021 press conference, that he had never touched anyone inappropriately. 

National Grid worker Virginia Limmiatis
Lindsey Boylan

National Grid worker Virginia Limmiatis (left) who said he touched her chest while running his hand across her t-shirt. Lindsey Boylan (right) 

'As Ms. Limmiatis testified to us, 'He is lying again. 

'He touched me inappropriately. I am compelled to come forward to tell the truth... I didn't know how to report what he did to me at the time and was burdened by shame, but not coming forward now would make me complicit in his lie, and I won't do it.'' 

Lindsey Boylan

Boylan says that Cuomo made inappropriate remarks to her when she worked as chief of staff to the CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation including that he found her attractive and that he wanted to play strip poker. 

She also says that he physically touched her on various parts of her body, including her waist, legs, and back. 

She claims that once she reported her allegations, she was victimized by his team who ran a smear campaign against her while she ran for office.   

Alyssa McGrath 

McGrath was another executive assistant who says Cuomo harassed her. 

'In his interactions with another executive assistant, Alyssa McGrath, the Governor made inappropriate comments and engaged in harassing conduct, including: regularly asking about her personal life, including her marital status and divorce; asking whether Ms. McGrath would tell on Executive Assistant #1 if she were to cheat on her husband—and whether Ms. McGrath herself planned to 'mingle' with men'.  

Alyssa McGrath
Ana Liss

Alyssa McGrath (left)  who worked as an executive assistant for the Governor. She says he made inappropriate remarks about her personal life. Ana Liss (right) worked in the Executive Chamber between 2013 and 2015, during which time she says the governor subjected her to sexual harassment that included being called 'sweetheart' and 'darling', and placing his hand around her lower waist.

'Kaitlin' 

Kaitlin - whose second name is not public - met the Governor in 2016 at a fundraising event where they were photographed together in a dance pose. 

Afterwards, she was hired by him in a junior position but given a salary of $120,000 - a figure so high she says it was laughed at in her interview.  

Ana Liss 

Liss worked in the Executive Chamber between 2013 and 2015, during which time she says the governor subjected her to sexual harassment that included being called 'sweetheart' and 'darling', and placing his hand around her lower waist. 

Ruch was a guest at a wedding, as was the Governor, in 2019 when she says he put his hands on a section of her back that was exposed by a cut-out in her dress. She grabbed his wrist to move it away and he responded by saying 'wow, you're aggressive,' according to the report.

Ruch was a guest at a wedding, as was the Governor, in 2019 when she says he put his hands on a section of her back that was exposed by a cut-out in her dress. She grabbed his wrist to move it away and he responded by saying 'wow, you're aggressive,' according to the report.

He also kissed her hands and cheek, she said.

Despite feeling uncomfortable, she says she did not report them because 'for whatever reason, in his office the rules were different. It was just, you should view it as a compliment if the Governor finds you aesthetically pleasing enough, if he finds you interesting enough to ask questions like that. 

'And so even though it was strange and uncomfortable and technically not permissible in a typical workplace environment, I was in this mindset that it was the twilight zone and...the typical rules did not apply.' 

Anna Ruch 

Ruch was a guest at a wedding, as was the Governor, in 2019 when she says he put his hands on a section of her back that was exposed by a cut-out in her dress. 

She grabbed his wrist to move it away and he responded by saying 'wow, you're aggressive,' according to the report. 

Cuomo then grabbed her face with both of his hands and said 'can I kiss you?' 

He was pictured kissing her cheek. 

 

'I learned it from my mom and my dad. It's a sign of warmth': Cuomo shows gallery of him kissing and touching 'men, women, old and young, straight and LGBTQ' to prove he didn't sexually harass 11 women

Cuomo unveiled a photo montage on Tuesday showing him hugging and kissing numerous public figures including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Al Sharpton - which the New York governor says is proof that he didn't sexually harass women.

'I've been making the same public gesture all my life. I actually learnt it from my mother and my father,' a defiant Cuomo said on Tuesday, referring to the late New York Governor Mario Cuomo and his widow, Matilda Cuomo. 

Cuomo said that while he 'accepts responsibility,' he made no hint of planning to resign.  

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday refused to resign after a damning report by the State Attorney General's Office accused him of sexually harassing multiple women

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday refused to resign after a damning report by the State Attorney General's Office accused him of sexually harassing multiple women

Cuomo unveiled a photo montage on Tuesday showing him hugging and kissing numerous public figures including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Al Sharpton

Cuomo unveiled a photo montage on Tuesday showing him hugging and kissing numerous public figures including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Al Sharpton

The montage shows the governor hugging, kissing, and greeting powerful people and constituents. Cuomo says these 'everyday interactions' are how he is accustomed to behaving and that there was no malicious intent
The montage shows the governor hugging, kissing, and greeting powerful people and constituents. Cuomo says these 'everyday interactions' are how he is accustomed to behaving and that there was no malicious intent

The montage shows the governor hugging, kissing, and greeting powerful people and constituents. Cuomo says these 'everyday interactions' are how he is accustomed to behaving and that there was no malicious intent

The video cuts to old photographs of Cuomo being kissed and touched by his parents as the governor narrates.

'It is meant to convey warmth, nothing more,' Cuomo says of the touching and kissing.

'Indeed, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of photos of me using the exact same gesture.'

Several more images flash on the screen of Cuomo touching and greeting constituents.

'I do it with everyone - black and white, young and old, straight and LGBTQ,' the governor says.

Cuomo then shows photos of him greeting 'powerful people' including former President Bill Clinton, the late Congressman Charlie Rangel, former Vice President Al Gore, actor Robert DeNiro, and others.

The governor says he uses the gesture with 'friends, strangers, [and] people who I meet on the street.'

Cuomo, who served as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Clinton administration, is seen above planting a kiss on the cheek of former Vice President Al Gore

Cuomo, who served as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Clinton administration, is seen above planting a kiss on the cheek of former Vice President Al Gore

‘Indeed, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of photos of me using the exact same gesture,' the governor said

'Indeed, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of photos of me using the exact same gesture,' the governor said

‘I do it with everyone - black and white, young and old, straight and LGBTQ,’ the governor said

'I do it with everyone - black and white, young and old, straight and LGBTQ,' the governor said

The photo montage included an image of the governor getting close to the Reverend Al Sharpton

The photo montage included an image of the governor getting close to the Reverend Al Sharpton

Cuomo is seen above touching the chin of a war veteran during a public appearance

Cuomo is seen above touching the chin of a war veteran during a public appearance

‘I do kiss people on the cheek,’ Cuomo said. The clip then cuts to more photos of Cuomo kissing well-known figures on the cheek

'I do kiss people on the cheek,' Cuomo said. The clip then cuts to more photos of Cuomo kissing well-known figures on the cheek

Cuomo's montage included another image of him planting a kiss on his mother's forehead

Cuomo's montage included another image of him planting a kiss on his mother's forehead

The image above shows the governor playfully grasping the chin of an unidentified person

The image above shows the governor playfully grasping the chin of an unidentified person

The image above shows Cuomo greeting actor Robert De Niro

The image above shows Cuomo greeting actor Robert De Niro

Cuomo then noted that Ruch told the press that she 'took offense at the gesture.'

'And for that, I apologize,' the governor said.

Cuomo then alluded to another allegation from a different woman who claimed the governor 'kissed her on the forehead' and said 'Ciao, bella.'

Translated from the Italian, 'Ciao, bella' means 'Hello, beautiful.'

'I don't remember doing it, but I'm sure that I did,' the governor said, adding: 'I do kiss people on the forehead.'

'I do kiss people on the cheek,' Cuomo said. The clip then cuts to more photos of Cuomo kissing well-known figures on the cheek.

The governor is seen with his mother, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and other constituents and supporters.

'I do kiss people on the hand, I do embrace people, I do hug people,' Cuomo said.

Cuomo is seen above hugging and kissing a woman during a public appearance

Cuomo is seen above hugging and kissing a woman during a public appearance

Cuomo cups the hand of a young girl during a public appearance in the above undated file photo

Cuomo cups the hand of a young girl during a public appearance in the above undated file photo

‘I do kiss people on the hand, I do embrace people, I do hug people,’ Cuomo said

'I do kiss people on the hand, I do embrace people, I do hug people,' Cuomo said

The image above shows Cuomo playfully kissing and grabbing the neck of an unidentified person

The image above shows Cuomo playfully kissing and grabbing the neck of an unidentified person

‘I now understand that there are generational or cultural perspectives that, frankly, I hadn’t fully appreciated, and I have learned from this,' Cuomo (seen above kissing a woman's hand) said

'I now understand that there are generational or cultural perspectives that, frankly, I hadn't fully appreciated, and I have learned from this,' Cuomo (seen above kissing a woman's hand) said

Cuomo said that he and his team would undergo training on new ‘sexual harassment policies and procedures’ to prevent the sort of misunderstandings that he claims arose from these encounters with women

Cuomo said that he and his team would undergo training on new 'sexual harassment policies and procedures' to prevent the sort of misunderstandings that he claims arose from these encounters with women

'I do on occasion say 'Ciao, bella'.'

Cuomo added: 'On occasion, I do slip and say 'Sweetheart'.'

'I am the same person in public as I am in private,' the governor said.

'I try to put people at ease,' Cuomo continued. 'I try to make them smile and I try to connect with them.

'I now understand that there are generational or cultural perspectives that, frankly, I hadn't fully appreciated, and I have learned from this.'

Cuomo said that he and his team would undergo training on new 'sexual harassment policies and procedures' to prevent the sort of misunderstandings that he claims arose from these encounters with women.

'I accept responsibility and we are making changes,' the governor said. 

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