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Cuomo said in a live stream broadcast by many US media outlets that he wants to keep fighting, but that the planned impeachment process would divert attention from important things the government needs to do, such as fighting corona. “I think the best way I can help is to step aside.”
Earlier this week, after a five-month investigation, the New York State Attorney issued a voluminous report on Cuomo’s misconduct. At least 11 women have been sexually harassed by Cuomo, Attorney General Letitia James said. Because it was a civil investigation, it was not possible to prosecute on that basis.
These included sexual harassment, unwanted and inappropriate groping, kissing, hugging and comments that alleged victims called “deeply humiliating, uncomfortable, offensive or inappropriate.” Cuomo then denied doing anything wrong.
Cuomo admitted on Tuesday that he had made mistakes. “But I never intended to disrespect a woman and I accept responsibility,” he said. According to him, “reasonableness” has disappeared and the attack on him is politically motivated.
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A woman who has now filed a report also told James that Cuomo once touched her breast. The incident allegedly took place at Cuomo’s official residence and is the most serious of the sexual harassment allegations he faces.
Crime
The name of the woman, who is only referred to as “executive assistant #1” in the report, was announced on Sunday: Brittany Commisso. In an interview with CBS News and the Albany Times-Union airing Monday morning, Commisso says she has filed a complaint to hold Cuomo accountable for his actions. “What he did to me was a crime,” she says in an excerpt released by CBS. “He has broken the law.”
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Brittany Commisso (left) during her CBS interview telling her story.
Ⓒ AP
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Cuomo became known for his corona updates on news channel CNN, where his brother Chris is a presenter. Initially, he received a lot of praise for his approach in New York, but later there was also a lot of criticism for having hidden corona deaths in American nursing homes from the figures.
Cuomo’s departure is a fact in two weeks. Vice Governor Kathy Hochul succeeds him. She becomes New York’s first female governor.
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