Governor Andrew Cuomo Resigns Over Accusations of Sexual Harassment!

A bombastic political career ends as embattled NY Governor Andrew Cuomo resigns over accusations of sexual harassment!

Cuomo announced on Tuesday, Aug 10, that he will present his resignation in 14 days amid a sexual harassment probe following accusations brought by 11 women who worked for him.

“New York tough means New York loving, and I love New York, and I love you,” Cuomo said, “I would never want to be unhelpful in any way, and I think given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let the government get back to governing, and therefore, that’s what I’ll do.”

The governor started his press conference by saying he’s “deeply” sorry for any behavior deemed inappropriate during his time in office but denied the sexual harassment allegations contained in state Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation. 

“I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside,” Cuomo said from his Manhattan office.

After disputing the report’s findings and apologizing for some behavior that he insisted didn’t amount to sexual harassment, Cuomo said the wasted time and money from the impeachment process would hurt New Yorkers during a time of crisis. 

“This is one of the most challenging times for government in a generation,” said the outgoing governor.  “Government really needs to function today; government needs to perform. It is a matter of life and death.”

“Wasting energy on distractions is the last thing [the] state government should be doing.”

The impeachment process, he said, would “consume government.”

“It will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars,” he went on. “It will brutalize people.”

“This situation, by its current trajectory, will generate months of political and legal controversy. That is what we’re going to have. That is how the political wind is blowing.”

Still, Cuomo fought back against the allegations. Cuomo accused state investigators of bias after the report accused him of sexually harassing the 11 women from 2013 to 2020 in violation of state and federal law. 

“When there is a bias or a lack of fairness in the justice system, it is a concern for everyone,” he said. “There is a difference between alleged improper conduct and concluding sexual harassment. Now, don’t get me wrong, this is not to say that there are 11 women who I truly offended. There are, and I deeply, deeply apologize.”

Cuomo admitted to making jokes and giving people hugs and kisses, “women and men.”

“I have slipped and called people ‘honey, ‘sweetheart,’ and ‘darling.’ I mean it to be endearing, but women found it dated and offensive,” he continued. “I take full responsibility for my actions. I have been too familiar with people. My sense of humor can be insensitive and off-putting.”

“In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” he added. “There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate. And I should have, no excuses.”

Under state law, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will assume the role of governor, becoming the first woman to lead the Empire State.