New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned from his office on August 10 at 12 noon, effective in two weeks, on August 14. Cuomo’s decision comes just six days after an independent report from NY Attorney General Letitia James confirmed and validated sexual harassment allegations from 11 female employees in and around Cuomo
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that he thanks the women “who came forward with sincere complaints.” “It’s not easy to step forward, but you did an important service. And you taught me and you taught others an important lesson. Personal boundaries must be expanded and must be protected,” said Cuomo who added that he accepts “full responsibility.”
“This is not to say that there are not 11 women I truly offended. There are. And for that, I deeply, deeply apologize. I thought a hug and putting my arm around a staff person while taking a picture was friendly, but she found it to be too forward. I kissed a woman on the cheek at a wedding and thought I was being nice, but she felt that it was too aggressive. I have slipped and called people ‘honey,’ ‘sweetheart’ and ‘darling.’ I meant it to be endearing. But women found it dated and offensive. I said on national TV to a doctor wearing PPE and giving me a Covid nasal swab, ‘you make that gown look good.’ I was joking. Obviously, otherwise, I wouldn’t have said it on national TV. But she found it disrespectful. I take full responsibility for my actions.
“This situation and moment are not about the facts. It’s not about the truth. It’s not about thoughtful analysis. It’s not about how do we make the system better. This is about politics and our political system today is too often driven by the extremes.”
Talking about his hugging and kissing, Cuomo said, “I have done it all my life. It’s who I have been since I can remember. In my mind, I have never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” Cuomo said. “There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate – and I should have. No excuses.”
“This situation by its current trajectory will generate months of political and legal controversy. That is what is going to happen. That is how the political wind is blowing. It will consume government. It will cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” he added.
“I’m a New Yorker, born and bred. I’m a fighter and my instinct is to fight through this controversy because I truly believe it is politically motivated, I believe it is unfair and it is untruthful and I believe it demonizes behavior that is unsustainable for society,” he said.
Cuomo continued: “New York tough means New York loving, and I love New York, and I love you. I would never want to be unhelpful in any way.”
New York Lieutenant Gov. Kathy Hochul, 62, will soon become the state’s first female governor, replacing Gov. Andrew Cuomo. A Buffalo native, she was first elected lieutenant governor of New York in 2014 as Cuomo’s running mate and won reelection alongside him in 2018. Hochul served in Congress for two years, 2011-2013.
“I agree with Governor Cuomo’s decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers. As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor,” said Hochul.
