The New York attorney general opened an investigation after two former aides alleged sexual misconduct alleged Governor Andrew Cuomo. Jericka Duncan has the latest.
Video transcript
NORAH O’DONNELL: And now to these new allegations of sexual harassment against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Tonight, the attorney general opened an investigation after two former aides accused the governor of wrongdoing. Cuomo says he’s sorry if the things he said were misinterpreted, but tonight one of the women says that is not enough. This is Jericka Duncan from CBS.
JERICKA DUNCAN: Late that afternoon, Charlotte Bennett, the second woman to accuse New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, said in a statement: “The governor refused to acknowledge his predatory behavior or accept responsibility for it.” The 25-year-old former executive assistant to the governor claimed Cuomo had asked if “she was romantically involved, whether she was monogamous in her relationships, and if she had ever had sex with older men.”
Cuomo tried to apologize in a statement on Sunday, saying, “I understand now that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal. Some of the things I said have been misunderstood as unwanted flirtation. To the extent that someone is felt like this, I really am sorry. “
BILL DE BLASIO: That is not an excuse.
JERICKA DUNCAN: Today, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, sponsored an independent investigation.
BILL DE BLASIO: He seemed to be saying, oh, it’s just kidding. You know sexual harassment is not funny.
JERICKA DUNCAN: The latest allegations come after another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, blogged accusing Cuomo of sexually harassing her and creating a hostile work environment. Senator Alessandra Biaggi worked in the governor’s office in 2017.
ALESSANDRA BIAGGI: When a state governor asks a young employee at the age of 25 if she is having sex with older men or if she is having sex outside of their relationship, it is not only inappropriate but also abusive.
JERICKA DUNCAN: Governor Cuomo denies sexual harassment allegations, but remember that federal investigators are investigating whether or not his office lied about COVID deaths in some nursing homes in New York. Norah?
NORAH O’DONNELL: Jericka Duncan, thank you.