NEW YORK — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, including employees in his office, according to scathing findings of an investigation by the state attorney general’s office.
A 165-page report was announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said the findings uncovered Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, including current and former employees, and a New York State trooper.
One case found he grabbed an employee’s buttocks and groped her under her shirt, and he fondled the state trooper, the report found.
None of them welcomed it and all of them found it uncomfortable,” James told reporters Tuesday.
The Albany County, N.Y. district attorney’s office released a statement announcing there is an ongoing criminal investigation into Cuomo’s conduct.
Cuomo released a video statement attacking the report and denying any wrongdoing. He said he was releasing the video to “now share the truth.”
“I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances,” he said.
In his statement, he called out one of his accusers by name. Former aide Charlotte Bennett and said it was the “one complaint that bothered me most.”
As Cuomo spoke, a slideshow played of Cuomo — and his parents — touching friends and wedding guests on the face. He said it was an Italian tradition that runs in the family.
The slideshow included photos of Cuomo with political figures such as Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and President Joe Biden.
When asked Tuesday of Cuomo using photos of him as a way of self-defense, he replied, “I’m sure there are some embraces that were totally innocent. But apparently, the attorney general decided there were things that weren’t.”
In March, Cuomo apologized and said he unintentionally made people feel uncomfortable. Tuesday, he accused the report of being politically motivated and attacked it.
“For those who are using this moment to score political points, or seek publicity or personal gain, I say they actually discredit the legitimate sexual harassment victims that the law was designed to protect,” Cuomo said.
Investigators detailed in graphic detail several incidents including making sexual comments and grabbing women.
The facts “are much different” than those presented in the report, Cuomo said.
