On Tuesday the long awaited Cuomo Report was issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
And the report itself was long at 168 pages.
James’ investigation into allegations of sexual harassment of New York Governor concluded he had violated state and federal law.
Per the report Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and created a hostile work environment with a pattern of unwanted touching and inappropriate comments.
The investigation found that the governor harassed 11 women, which was more than the number of women who came forward publicly.
The report came after a months long investigation into Cuomo’s behavior after several women made public allegations that they had been sexually harassed.
In addition to Cuomo, who was interviewed for 11 hours, 179 people were interviewed.
“The independent investigation found that Governor Cuomo harassed multiple women, many of whom were young women, by engaging in unwanted groping, kisses, hugging, and by making inappropriate comments,” Ms James said.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Biden said he thought Cuomo should resign.
On Tuesday night Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, and Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania released the following joint statement:
“We are appalled at the findings of the independent investigation by the New York Attorney General. Governor Cuomo should resign from office,” the four governors said.
The report concluded, “…the Governor sexually harassed a number of State employees through unwelcome and unwanted touching, as well as by making numerous offensive and sexually suggestive comments. We find that such conduct was part of a pattern of behavior that extended to his interactions with others outside of State government.”
Also, “In addition, we conclude that the culture of fear and intimidation, the normalization of inappropriate comments and interactions, and the poor enforcement of the policies and safeguards, contributed to the sexual harassment, retaliation, and an overall hostile work environment in the Executive Chamber.”
While the investigation found that Cuomo’s actions were in violation of state and federal laws, the inquiry didn’t conclude whether the governor can be criminally prosecuted.
Cuomo has insisted that he has no plans to resign. In fact, on Tuesday afternoon he denied sexually harassing anyone, though he admitted some of the alleged behavior. In a pre recorded statement he shared photos of himself kissing and touching people’s faces.
State lawmakers could pursue impeachment against him.
Cuomo, a third term Democrat, has not said announced his reelection plans. This summer, amid the investigation, he raised more than $1 million at a fundraiser.
On Tuesday he said his attorney had issued a response to each allegation.
“The facts are much different than have been portrayed,” he said. “I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. I am 63 years old. I’ve lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am.”
Joint Statement From Governor Lamont, Governor McKee, Governor Murphy, and Governor Wolf