(Albany) New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo admitted Sunday that some of his behavior with women was “misinterpreted as unwanted flirtation.”
Offer his cooperation in an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against him, to be carried out by the state attorney general.
In a statement released in the wake of mounting condemnation within his party, the Democrat argued that he had not touched anyone and had not made improper progress.
Mr. Cuomo admitted, however, that he enjoyed teasing people and making jokes about their personal lives in order to be “fun”.
“I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or very personal. Some of my comments, given my position, may have made others feel emotions I never intended. I admit that some of the things I said were misinterpreted as unwanted flirting. As much as anyone felt this way. I’m so sorry. ”
Mr. Cuomo’s legal advisor indicated that he would like to entrust the investigation to an outside attorney in his capacity as an exceptional deputy attorney general.
This plan and a precedent were rejected by State Attorney Letitia James. It is a democracy that has been elected differently from Mister Cuomo.
The first plan called for retired federal judge Barbara Jones, chosen by Mr. Cuomo, to examine the governor’s behavior on Saturday night.
Second shot M. askedI am James and state appeals court chief judge, Janet DeVor, are co-hiring an attorney to investigate the allegations and issue a public report.
MI am James rejected the plan in the late afternoon because it would not shed light on the controversy.
I do not accept the ruler’s suggestion. The law clearly gives me the authority to investigate this matter as soon as the governor tells me. With all due respect to Chief Justice Daviori, I was duly elected to the position of Attorney General. It is my responsibility to complete this task, as provided by law. The governor must take this into account so that a full independent investigation can be carried out. ”
MI am James had the support of top Democrats such as the Leader of the Democratic Majority in the Senate, Andrea Stuart Cousins and House Speaker Karl Hasty.
The controversy returns to the White House as President Joe Biden’s press secretary said he wanted an “independent review” of the allegations.
The crisis escalated on Saturday after a second woman also complained of being harassed by Governor Como at her workplace.
Charlotte Bennett, a State Administration employee until November, told the New York Times that Mr. Cuomo asked her inappropriate questions about her sexuality, especially if she had had intimate relationships with older men.
Lindsay Boylan, a former Under Secretary of Economic Development and Special Adviser to the Governor, recently accused Andrew Cuomo of subjecting her to unwanted kissing and inappropriate comments.
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