Read Letitia James' Full Transcripts From Investigation Into Former N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo
New York Attorney General Letitia James released transcripts on Wednesday of interviews conducted during the investigation into former Governor Andrew Cuomo's sexual harassment allegations.
The documents released include hundreds of pages of transcripts from interviews with Cuomo and 10 of the women who accused the former governor of sexual harassment. In August, the New York Attorney General's Office concluded in a report that Cuomo sexually harassed several women during his time in office.
"Specifically, the investigation found that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed current and former New York State employees by engaging in unwelcome and non-consensual touching and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive sexual nature, that created a hostile work environment for women," James said at a press conference in August.
The documents released on Wednesday included a 515-page transcript of Cuomo's July 17 interview with investigators, who questioned him about his workplace behavior and the allegations levied against him.
In the transcript, Cuomo is seen further denying any allegations of sexual harassment against him, such as groping accusations made by former aide, Brittany Commisso.
When asked if he ever remembered putting his hand on Commisso's breast, Cuomo said, "That never happened. That never happened."
"You've investigated me for six years. I would have to lose my mind to do some—such a thing. It would be an act of insanity to touch a woman's breast and make myself vulnerable to a woman for such an accusation," Cuomo said. "It would be an act of insanity.… It's just not even feasible."
Cuomo continued, "Numerous people have tried to set me up. I'm always wary of people. I have phenomenal precautions."
When asked if he ever kissed a staff member on the lips, Cuomo said that while he doesn't recall doing so to anyone specifically, "it could happen that somebody kisses on the lips." Cuomo also said that "as a general rule, I kiss on the cheek."
During the interview, Cuomo was also asked if he regrets any of the language he used toward staffers he said "no."
"I don't have regrets. Look, if you could always state everything over, I'm sure I would state things—if I could restate everything I've ever said to a woman or a man, I'd say it differently. But generally, no," Cuomo said.
One week after the attorney general's report in August, Cuomo announced his resignation, saying in a press conference, "The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government.
"And therefore that's what I'll do, because I work for you," he added.
Former Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul replaced Cuomo following his resignation and is set to finish the remainder of his term, which ends in 2023.
The full transcript of Cuomo's interview, as well as other transcripts released by James' office can be found here.
