The interview will be broadcast on television on Monday, but short fragments were already released on Sunday. In the interview, Commisso explains that she has filed a report because the governor must be held responsible for his actions. “What he did to me was a crime. He broke the law,” she says.
Commisso is one of 11 women who have said they have been sexually harassed by New York State Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo. Her statement was already mentioned in Attorney General Letitia James’ report, but her name was not known until now. In the report, she was referred to as ‘executive assistant #1’.
She has stated that Cuomo felt her chest during a meeting at his official residence. It is the most serious of the sexual harassment allegations facing Cuomo. Commisso says the governor has often exhibited inappropriate behavior. He is said to have once rubbed her back when taking a photo. She talks about a pattern of ‘predatory behavior’.
Commisso also said in the interview that hugs and kisses on the cheek escalated once when Cuomo kissed her on the lips. She stated that she had not previously reported the incidents because “people don’t understand that this is the governor of New York.” “There are guards outside the official residence and there are other staff. Those guards aren’t there to protect me. They are there to protect him.”
‘Extensive research’
The complaint that Commisso has filed against Cuomo will be investigated ‘very extensively’. So says Sheriff Craig Apple of Albany County, where the report was filed and where the governor’s residence is also located. The sheriff says he will not rush or delay the criminal investigation because of the high position of the suspect. “We are in the early stages of this investigation. We treat victims the same. We are investigating the same. It’s just that more eyes are focused on this,” said Apple.
Governor Cuomo denies doing anything wrong. His attorney Rita Glavin told reporters Friday that Commisso’s statement was fabricated, citing emails and other evidence that would undermine her testimony.
Cuomo also opposes several calls to resign, including from US President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats. In addition, he may be facing impeachment proceedings (‘impeachment‘) waiting in the New York State Legislature.
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