The aide instructed the newspaper she was summoned to the Govt Mansion, which is a brief stroll from the governor’s workplace within the state Capitol. | Hans Pennink/AP Phoyo
ALBANY, N.Y. — A present aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo has accused the governor of aggressively fondling her chest throughout an encounter within the state’s Govt Mansion, according to the Times Union.
Whereas the aide’s allegation of misconduct was first reported on Tuesday, the Occasions-Union printed further particulars of the encounter on Wednesday night. The newspaper has agreed to not establish the aide.
The aide instructed the newspaper she was summoned to the Govt Mansion, which is a brief stroll from the governor’s workplace within the state Capitol, to assist him with a problem on his mobile phone. They had been alone within the governor’s residence on the time.
The allegation is underneath investigation by state Legal professional Basic Tish James.
Cuomo has denied that he ever “inappropriately touched” anybody and in addition denied the accusation in a press release on Wednesday.
“As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve by no means completed something like this. The small print of this report are gut-wrenching,” Cuomo mentioned. “I’m not going to talk to the specifics of this or another allegation given the continuing evaluate, however I’m assured in the results of the Legal professional Basic’s report.”
The aide reported the December encounter to her supervisor after watching Cuomo’s March 3 public apology and denial of any inappropriate bodily contact with anybody. The aide was visibly upset, and the supervisor requested what was unsuitable, in accordance with the Occasions Union.
Shortly after the Occasions Union report, one other state Senate Democrat, Andrew Gounardes of Brooklyn, joined requires Cuomo to resign.
“His conduct fosters a office tradition that’s unhealthy, unsafe, and poisonous,” Gounardes mentioned. “And his actions perpetuate the long-standing concern held by victims of this habits that in the event that they communicate out, they are going to be punished for it. That is unacceptable wherever in New York, however particularly within the highest workplace in our state.”
4 ladies who’ve labored for Cuomo have accused him of harassment or inappropriate feedback and habits previously few weeks. Two different ladies who didn’t work for him have additionally made allegations.
An lawyer for one of many ladies, Charlotte Bennett, mentioned the brand new allegation was much like her consumer’s.
“Charlotte was summoned to the Capitol on a Saturday, left remoted with the Governor and requested to assist him with minor technical points together with his telephone,” lawyer Debra Katz mentioned in a press release. “The Governor’s sexual harassment, which Charlotte Bennett reported, was buried by his aides and by no means correctly investigated. Due to their enablement, one other younger girl was left in hurt’s manner.”
Katz mentioned the governor’s acknowledgment that he has hugged and kissed folks however by no means completed it inappropriately quantities to gaslighting.
“That is precisely how abusers function,” she mentioned.
Bennett has mentioned the governor had requested her about her sexual companions and if she was open to relationships with older males. She mentioned she believes the governor was propositioning her.
If you’re a survivor of sexual assault, or you recognize somebody who’s, assist is obtainable. Within the U.S., name the Nationwide Sexual Assault Phone Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be linked with a educated workers member from a sexual assault service supplier in your space.
