The Governor of New York apologizes for his dealings with some employees. According to Andrew Cuomo, his “playful behavior” has been misinterpreted as sexual advances.
“At work I sometimes show playful behavior and make jokes that I find amusing. I also sometimes tease people in ways that I consider good-natured,” the governor wrote in a statement. “I realize that some of the comments could be seen as unwanted flirtation. If anyone thinks that, then I’m sincerely sorry.”
The 63-year-old governor was recently accused of undesirable behavior by two women. For example, an employee said he kissed her on the mouth and sent a rose on Valentine’s Day. Cuomo had asked another woman if her relationship was monogamous and if she had ever had sex with older men.
Under fire
In his statement, Cuomo says he has never touched anyone inappropriately or made an inappropriate proposal. He immediately announced that there will be an independent investigation into his behavior. Cuomo had previously made two other proposals for investigations, but those were rejected by supporters and opponents as not being objective enough.
Democrat Cuomo was seen by many Americans last year as a vigorous fighter against the coronavirus, at a time when the federal government under President Trump was failing. Recently, however, his policies came under fire as under his leadership the number of corona deaths in nursing homes in his state was underreported.
The governor was accused of at the very least making things too rosy and possibly even obscuring policies that actually worsened the epidemic. Criticism of Cuomo by Republicans and even party members grew as a result.
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