‘I’m not going to resign’
ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated Wednesday he will not cede to a growing number of calls for his resignation amid a sexual harassment scandal, pleading for residents to look ahead to an investigation to conclude earlier than forming their opinions.
Cuomo, a Democrat, appeared in public for the primary time since Feb. 24, providing his first on-camera feedback since three girls – together with two former aides – gave detailed accusations of sexual harassment.
The embattled governor apologized for any actions that offended the ladies however stated he did not know he was making them uncomfortable. He pledged to cooperate with an investigation led by Attorney General Letitia James’ workplace.
“I fully support a woman’s right to come forward, and I think it should be encouraged in every way,” Cuomo stated throughout a information convention from the Capitol’s Red Room. “I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional, and I truly and deeply apologize for it.”
Cuomo made clear he has no intention of stepping down: “I am not going to resign.”
“I’m going to do the job the people of the state of New York elected me to do,” Cuomo stated.
On Feb. 24, former financial improvement aide Lindsey Boylan posted an online essay accusing Cuomo of kissing her on the lips with out consent in 2018 and making inappropriate feedback, together with a comment about wanting to play strip poker.
Since then, a second former aide, Charlotte Bennett, 25, informed The New York Times that Cuomo repeatedly requested questions on her intercourse life and her expertise as a sexual assault survivor, telling Bennett he can be open to a relationship with a girl in her 20s and asking whether or not she practiced monogamy.
And Monday, Anna Ruch, 33, told The New York Times that Cuomo positioned his hand on her naked again at a marriage reception in 2019. When she eliminated his hand, she stated, he grabbed her face with two arms and requested if he may kiss her loudly sufficient for a pal close by to hear.
The sexual harassment scandal has left Cuomo in political peril – even some members of his personal social gathering referred to as for his resignation.
Wednesday, two Democratic lawmakers added their names to the listing: state Sen. James Skoufis of Orange County and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti of Westchester County, each of whom issued statements calling on the governor to step down.
“He must spare New York the continued shame of having a governor whose actions evidence his clear disrespect for women,” Abinanti stated.
Cuomo issued a press release Sunday that contained a sentiment comparable to the one he expressed Wednesday. Lawmakers criticized his apology for placing the onus on the accuser quite than the accused by saying he by no means supposed to damage anybody and apologizing in the event that they have been damage.
At his information convention, Cuomo stated he has discovered “an important lesson.”
“I am sorry,” he stated. “I am sorry for whatever pain I caused anyone. I never intended it, and I will be the better for this experience.”
More:Why allegations against Cuomo shine new light on long-standing harassment at state Capitol
More:Facing pressure, NY Gov. Cuomo cedes control of sexual harassment investigation
Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JonCampbellGAN.
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