NY Assembly says allegations against Cuomo credible

by mcardinal

Willie R. Tubbs, FISM News

 

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo already had few friends or fans left in Hollywood or the political structures of his home state; now, he’s running out of avenues to deny allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.

This week, the New York State Assembly released a scathing report in which it confirmed the Assembly’s belief that Cuomo created a hostile work environment and sexually harassed women or engaged in other sexual misconduct on multiple occasions.

Additionally, the Assembly found the former governor used state resources to write and publish his at-one-point-popular-with-liberals book, “American Crisis”, a project that netted Cuomo north of $5 million. The New Yorker’s Eric Lach reports that this book deal was the nexus for Cuomo’s eventual downfall.

The report, created by the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, also states Cuomo was “not fully transparent” about the number of nursing home patients who died from COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic.

“The former governor’s conduct – as shown in this report – is extremely disturbing and is indicative of someone who is not fit for office,” Assembly Chair Charles Lavine said in a release. “I hope this report helps New Yorkers further understand the seriousness of the allegations that have been made and serves to guide us to a more ethical and responsible government. New Yorkers deserve no less.”

The report further solidifies the Assembly’s position on Cuomo. The body was mulling impeachment proceedings prior to Cuomo’s resignation. The Assembly further used this week’s report to reaffirm its willingness to turn over its findings to criminal investigators.

“This has been a profoundly sad chapter in New York’s history,” Speaker Carl Heastie said. “I commend Chairman Charles Lavine, the members of the Judiciary Committee and the team at Davis Polk for their hard work and diligence in completing this investigation.

“I also want to acknowledge everyone who participated in all of the investigations for their cooperation, particularly the brave women who stepped forward. As we have throughout this process, we will continue to cooperate with all relevant investigative bodies to provide them with the evidence we have uncovered.”

Cuomo has been largely silent on the investigation, although his attorney has recently demanded that New York Attorney General Letitia James recuse herself from the investigation. Through his attorney, Cuomo alleges James is using the investigation to further her bid for the governorship.

The former governor also tweeted a New York Daily News article questioning the authorship of the Aug. 3 report that led to Cuomo’s resignation. This was another dig at James, who took credit for the report but who the article alleges was uninvolved in its creation.

Cuomo’s only public statement of late was a Happy Thanksgiving message posted to Twitter Thursday.

The New York Times acquired a copy of the full report from Davis Polk & Wardwell, which can be read here.

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