New York Governor Cuomo: Investigation confirms harassment allegations

Marc Steinhäuser, ARD New York, with assessments of the Cuomo case

night magazine 12:40 a.m., August 4th, 2021

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Almost 180 witnesses were spoken to for the investigation. And more than 7,000 pieces of evidence were sighted, it said. This resulted in “a very disturbing but clear picture”. “Those 11 women were in a toxic work environment. And we should believe these women,” said James. “We need to make sure they are safe in their workplace. This investigation has shown a disturbing pattern in the New York governor’s office.”

“The facts are very different from what is shown here”

Cuomo rejected the allegations again shortly after the press conference via video message. “The facts are very different from what they are presented here,” said the governor. “I want you to hear directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or approached anyone inappropriately. I’m 63 years old. I’ve been in the public eye for my entire adult life. That’s just not who I am or who I ever was. ”

Cuomo again apologized to some of the women. He just wanted to help and express gratitude and friendship. He takes responsibility and wants to bring about changes. For example, he hired an expert to train his entire team.

In the video message, Cuomo did not address a possible resignation, which party colleagues had repeatedly called for. He also presented his reply to the investigation again in an 85-page report by his lawyer, which he published on Tuesday.

The chairman of the New York House of Representatives announced a speedy impeachment process. “It became more than clear to me that the governor has lost the trust of the democratic majority in the House of Representatives and that he can no longer remain in office,” said the Democrat Carl Heastie after a meeting with his colleagues. “Once we have the necessary documents and evidence from the Attorney General, we will act quickly and complete our impeachment investigation as soon as possible.”

Biden and Pelosi demand resignation

Cuomo had been hailed for guiding New York through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic last year. He was even traded as a possible presidential candidate.

But he has been under criticism for a few months. Several politicians from the ranks of his democratic party criticized his leadership style. Many are demanding his resignation. According to the new investigations also among other things New York Mayor de Blasio and the chairwoman of the house of representatives, the Democrat Nancy Pelosi. US President Joe Biden also called on Cuomo to resign. “I think he should resign,” Biden said of his New York party colleague.

“The report speaks for itself”

Attorney General James said the job was done. “The report speaks for itself,” she said. It was a civil investigation. Criminal law consequences are possible. But they don’t come automatically. “The governor or the public is entirely responsible for the next steps. But the work of the attorney general’s office has been completed.”

In addition to allegations of sexual harassment, Cuomo faces further trouble. He is said to have manipulated the record of corona deaths in New York nursing and old people’s homes.