New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo resigns. The 63-year-old drew the consequences of allegations made by several women of sexual harassment on Tuesday. Politicians from both parties, including US President Joe Biden, had previously called for his resignation.
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“I think that, given the circumstances, I can best help if I step aside,” Cuomo said in a live address on Tuesday. His resignation will take effect in 14 days.
About a week ago, an investigation report from Attorney General Letitia James came to the conclusion that Cuomo had sexually harassed former and current employees of the state authorities (read more about the case here).
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According to the report, Cuomo is said to have touched, kissed and hugged eleven women undesirably. He is also said to have made inappropriate comments. The governor, who has been in office since 2011, created a “hostile working atmosphere” and a “climate of fear” for women. A confidante of Cuomos then gave up her office. She is believed to have helped retaliate against a woman.
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Cuomo is already facing criminal charges from at least three regional prosecutors in New York state who have requested evidence from the attorney general for review.
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The Democrat had previously had a picture-perfect career: Cuomo has already been re-elected twice and, after his behavior during the pandemic, was in the meantime even under discussion for a presidential candidacy. He had initially rejected the allegations via video message, not addressing a resignation. Deputy Governor Kathy Hochul will take over his post in 14 days. She becomes the first female governor in the history of the state of New York.
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