An investigation found that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo allegedly violated federal and state laws by sexually harassing multiple women.
According to the New York Post, Cuomo allegedly sexually harassed current and former state employees. Officials said Tuesday that Cuomo allegedly harassed the women by touching their “intimate body parts” without consent.
In addition, Cuomo is accused of retaliating against some of the alleged victims and creating a “toxic” workspace in the Executive Chamber. The news outlet states Attorney General Letitia James found in an independent probe that Cuomo participated in “unwanted groping, kissing, hugging and making inappropriate comments.”
So far, 11 women – some of whom were state employees – have come forward. Another alleged victim is a state trooper who worked served on Cuomo’s security detail.
Anne Clark, one of the lawyers hired to investigate Cuomo, said on behalf of the alleged victim that Cuomo “had become single, he asked the trooper how old she was when she responded she was in her late 20s, he said that’s too old for him.”
“He then asked her how much of an age difference he thought he could have between him and a girlfriend and have the public still accept it,” Clark said. The trooper also claims she tried to avoid the conversation by asking the governor what he was looking for in a girlfriend; he responded that he was looking for somebody who could handle pain,” Clark said.
Since accusations hit the headlines previously, Cuomo has apologized, saying he acted “in a way that made people feel uncomfortable.” However, he mentioned that he never “touched anyone inappropriately” or engaged in any misconduct.
