New York Attorney General Letitia James HAS announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo broke the law by sexually harassing multiple women and retaliating against his accusers.
James said during a press conference that Cuomo violated both state and federal laws.
The AG's independent investigation determined that Governor Cuomo did harass current and former state employees by groping, kissing, nonconsensual touching and making sexual comments towards them.
They found that Cuomo even sexually harassed a State Trooper who was assigned to protect him and members of the public."Specifically, we find that the Governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women," the Attorney General's report states. "Our investigation revealed that the Governor’s sexually harassing behavior was not limited to members of his own staff, but extended to other State employees, including a State Trooper on his protective detail and members of the public."
"We also conclude that the Executive Chamber’s culture—one filled with fear and intimidation, while at the same time normalizing the Governor’s frequent flirtations and gender-based comments—contributed to the conditions that allowed the sexual harassment to occur and persist. That culture also influenced the improper and inadequate ways in which the Executive Chamber has responded to allegations of harassment"
James also said that Cuomo and his staff retaliated against a former employee who made allegations against him.
“This investigation has revealed conduct that corrodes the very fabric and character of our state government, and shines light on injustice that can be present at the highest levels of government,” James said. “But none of this, none of this would have been illuminated if not for the heroic women who came forward. And I am inspired by all of the brave women who came forward. But more importantly, I believe them.”
It is unclear if Cuomo will face justice for his crimes.
