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Cuomo's attorneys come to his defense amid sexual misconduct allegations

Andrew Cuomo
Posted at 9:43 AM, Aug 06, 2021
and last updated 2021-08-06 18:01:59-04

ALBANY, N.Y. — Attorneys for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a press conference Friday to offer a rebuttal to the investigation that shows he sexually harassed multiple women.

"This investigation was conducted in a manner to support a predetermined narrative," attorney Rita Glavin said.

Glavin complained that they have not been able to see all of the evidence in the attorney general's report.

"The governor deserves to be treated fairly," Glavin remarked.

She added that the governor will address the allegation himself, but did not give a timeline.

In response to Cuomo's attorneys, a spokesperson for Attorney General Letitia James said, "To attack this investigation and attempt to undermine and politicize this process takes away from the bravery displayed by these women."

The press conference was held on the same day a former Cuomo staffer filed a criminal complaint against the Democrat.

The Albany County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The New York Times and ABC News that the executive assistant, who accused Cuomo of groping her in the Executive Mansion last year, filed the complaint on Thursday.

Sheriff Craig Apple told the New York Post that it’s possible that Cuomo could be arrested if investigators determine he committed a crime.

The woman was identified as “executive assistant #1” in a recently released report from the New York Attorney General’s Office that outlines the results of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations made against Cuomo.

Independent investigators concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, including former and current state employees, by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, as well as allegedly making inappropriate comments.

The report also claims that Cuomo and his senior staff took action to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story.

Additionally, investigators found the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”

In light of the report, Cuomo is facing calls for him to resign as governor. Top Democrats like President Joe Biden are among those who have said he should step down.

Cuomo could be impeached if he doesn’t resign. A majority of state assembly members support beginning impeachment proceedings against him, The Associated Press reports.