Democrats and #MeToo activists have been unusually silent regarding the sexual harassment allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, for example, told Fox News that Cuomo “has a right to be heard.”
Gillibrand is a staunch advocate for women’s rights. In 2018, she led a group of lawmakers in ousting former Senator Al Franken (D-MN) after sexual misconduct accusations. His supporters blame Gillibrand for Franken’s decision to step down rather than fight the charges.
In addition to an investigation regarding the state’s cover-up of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, Governor Cuomo now faces allegations that he sexually harassed female employees.
Lindsey Boylan, a former aide who is now running for Manhattan borough president, says Cuomo would “go out of his way” to touch her back, arms, and legs. She says the governor once kissed her on the mouth without consent. He also suggested the two of them play “strip poker.”
Boylan says she came forward with the allegation when she heard Joe Biden was considering Cuomo for attorney general. “There are fewer things more scary than giving his man – who exists without ethics – even more control,” she tweeted.
The only other former staffer to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment is Charlotte Bennett. She said she was uncomfortable at work because she knew the governor ‘wanted to sleep with her.’ Bennett met with a special counsel, which determined that her story did not include a claim of physical contact or inappropriate sexual conduct and that no further action was required.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, journalist Morgan Pehme, and State Assemblyman Ron Kim (D) also support claims that Governor Cuomo bullies others to get his way.
“Cuomo is a coward who has abused his powers. His pattern of abuse and harassment toward his aides, journalists, lawmakers, and critiques is despicable,” tweeted Kim. “As a lawmaker, I have the duty to hold him accountable. I will not stand down.”
Kim is one of few individuals to criticize Cuomo. Even some of the most prominent female politicians – including Vice President Kamala Harris, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-NY), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) – have said nothing.
Author’s Note: Cuomo became very popular in recent years due to his sparring with Trump. Democrats are reluctant to criticize him without evidence, even when it comes to sexual harassment.
Sources:
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