Cuomo says ‘there is no way I resign’ amid mounting calls from accusers and own party
‘I was elected by the people of the state, I wasn’t elected by politicians,’ governor says, adding: ‘I’m not going to resign because of allegations’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has defiantly rejected growing calls to step down from his position while facing numerous claims of inappropriate conduct and multiple investigations, saying on Sunday: “There is no way I resign.”
“I was elected by the people of the state, I wasn’t elected by politicians,” Mr Cuomo said on Sunday, adding: “I’m not going to resign because of allegations.”
He spoke after two additional women came forward alleging inappropriate behavior on the part of the governor, as new reports painted a picture of a “toxic” and intense work culture at Mr Cuomo’s Albany offices. Those claiming Mr Cuomo was inappropriate said the governor gave “unethical” embraces and discussed sex lives and other topics that made some staffers uncomfortable.
“Every woman has a right to come forward, that’s true. But the truth also matters and what she says is not true,” he said, referring to Karen Hinton, his former aide. “She has been a long-time political adversary of mine.”
New York’s Democratic attorney general has launched an investigation into the claims, as well as a probe into a separate controversy surrounding nursing home deaths across the state during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the weekend press conference, Mr Cuomo called for the investigations to continue and said his office would fully cooperate.
“It’s damning to publicize allegations before you know that they are credible,” he said. “Let the attorney general do her job.”
In the latest accusations against the Democratic governor, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that a former aide, Ana Liss, said Mr Cuomo in 2014 sometimes greeted her with a hug and kisses on both cheeks, called her “sweetheart,” kissed her hand and asked her if she had a boyfriend.
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that a former press aide, Ms Hinton, said that in 2000 Mr Cuomo - when he was federal housing secretary under President Bill Clinton - embraced her in a hotel room after a work event.
The new accusations surfaced after three women had accused Mr Cuomo, 63, of sexually harassing them or making inappropriate remarks. He has denied any misconduct and pledged to cooperate with the review by Ms James’ office.
The governor, who has rejected calls for his resignation that have come even from prominent Democratic state lawmakers, also has battled in recent weeks to respond to accusations that his administration sought to downplay the number of nursing home residents killed by COVID-19.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments