Home WebMail Friday, November 1, 2024, 06:18 AM | Calgary | -3.8°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Posted: 2021-08-03T17:38:38Z | Updated: 2021-08-03T20:59:12Z

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) came out punching during a news conference Tuesday afternoon in response to the state attorney generals investigation that found he sexually harassed at least 11 women during his time as governor.

Cuomo outright denied all of the allegations against him in a 15-minute monologue during which members of the media were not able to ask questions. The governor blamed the investigations outcome on biased reporting by the lead investigators tapped by state Attorney General Letitia James. Cuomo said the allegations against him sought to unfairly characterize and weaponize everyday actions hes had with those accusing him of harassment.

I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances, Cuomo said. I am 63 years old. Ive lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am and thats not who I have ever been.

In a weird turn of events, Cuomo also brought up that someone in his family is a survivor of sexual assault. He said he tried to use his experience with his family member to get closer to Charlotte Bennett, one of his accusers who had disclosed to him that she was a survivor of sexual assault.

The truth is that her story resonated deeply with me, Cuomo said of Bennetts story of sexual assault. I had heard the same story before with the same ugliness, the same injustice, the same damage. Not only had I heard the story before, I had lived the story before. My family member is a survivor of sexual assault in high school. I have watched her live and suffer with the trauma. I would do anything to make it go away for her, but it never really goes away.

The governor said he was truly and deeply sorry for sharing his personal experiences at work and acknowledged that it wasnt helpful.

Bennett responded to the investigation and Cuomos press conference in a tweet , writing, We have the facts. @NYGovCuomo broke federal & state law when he sexually harassed me & other current & former staff. I do not want an apology I want accountability and an end to victim-blaming.

Bennett tagged New York state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) and implored him to do the right thing and impeach Cuomo.