Status: 01.03.2021 5:56 p.m.
–
–
–
New York’s Governor Cuomo was considered a beacon of hope for the US Democrats – also because he got the pandemic under control quite well. But then lies were uncovered – and now two women are making allegations of abuse.
From Antje Passenheim,
ARD-Studio Washington
–
–
–
From hero to accused – the US media is overwhelmed with reports on the allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. He was dismayed and responded with a written statement. He may have acted “insensitively”, a spokeswoman on CNN quoted him as saying: “I admit that some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as undesirable flirtations. As far as anyone has felt that way, I honestly do so suffering.”
–
Antje Passenheim
ARD-Studio New York
–
–
–
–
–
–
Cuomo sticks: he never made immoral offers to female employees. “At work, he is sometimes playful and makes jokes that he finds funny. He sometimes teases people – but in an appropriate way,” the spokeswoman continued.
Allegations from two women
At least two of Cuomo’s former employees see it differently. The 63-year-old had repeatedly harassed her and touched her inappropriately. A former colleague in his economics department said that Cuomo kissed her against her will. A 25-year-old former health advisor in Cuomo’s government said he asked her to have sex. For her it was one of the darkest moments in her life.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: President Biden is also calling for clarification: “There has to be an independent investigation – as soon as possible.”
The New York attorney general and attorney general Letitia James also demands this and wants to lead it personally. Cuomo already agreed. He will cooperate with the investigation.
End of a bearer of hope?
Cuomo’s star has been sinking in New York for quite some time. The striking politician has been a beacon of hope for many Americans since the beginning of the corona pandemic. The democrat promised to align his policy with scientific necessities. He presented himself as an alternative to the then Republican President Donald Trump. Joe Biden’s friend has even been traded as a possible next presidential candidate.
“It’s a difficult moment for him,” explains political scientist Hank Sheinkopf. “It’s like a monsoon. Everything is accused of it now.” For example, that he is said to have beautified the balance sheet of the corona deaths in New York in order to look better. And one employee has already confirmed that. Several Democrats criticize Cuomo’s authoritarian leadership style.
Criticism from Democrats too
Not only are his political opponents reacting indignantly to the new allegations. Democrats like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez or New York Senator Alessandra Biaggi: “He used his power to torture and threaten people. If you cross this line, that’s mistreatment.”
Investigations are ongoing – and so are efforts by the Democrats to curtail Cuomo’s powers as a result of the corona pandemic. In surveys, his approval ratings are already falling. According to this, just under half of New Yorkers think that the governor is doing a good job – last July it was 66 percent.
Sexual harassment allegations against New York’s Corona hero Cuomo
Antje Passenheim, ARD New York, March 1, 2021 5:35 p.m.
–
–
–
