New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was accused of sexual harassment on Sunday by a former advisor, who claims to have been harassed for “years.”
What We Know:
- Lindsey Boylan worked as deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to Governor Cuomo from 2015 to 2018. On Sunday, she took to Twitter to post a series of tweets said alleging Cuomo “sexually harassed me for years.” She also claims that many people witness the harassment yet never spoke a word. However, she did not give the names of anyone who may have been involved.
- She continues on Twitter to state, “I could never anticipate what to expect: would I be grilled on my work (which was very good) or harassed about my looks. Or would it be both in the same conversation?” This is about the most specific she gets in her allegations thus far.
- Boylan had previously taken to Twitter to state that the “most toxic team environment” was that of the Governor’s office, adding that people are “deathly afraid” of Cuomo.
Yes, @NYGovCuomo sexually harassed me for years. Many saw it, and watched.
I could never anticipate what to expect: would I be grilled on my work (which was very good) or harassed about my looks. Or would it be both in the same conversation? This was the way for years.
— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) December 13, 2020
- In response to the allegations, Gov. Cuomo’s office stated to NBC New York, “There is simply no truth to these claims.” Boylan, who has yet to comment on the Governor’s response, said on Twitter that she has “no interest in talking to journalists.”
- Boylan’s other tweets continued to express her anger at the situation and the abuse of power committed by powerful, influential leaders. “That because I am a woman, I can work hard my whole life to better myself and help others and yet still fall victim, as countless women over generations have. Mostly silently,” Boylan tweeted. “I hate that some men, like @NYGovCuomo abuse their power.”
- After leaving her position at the Governor’s office, Boylan ran for Congress in New York’s 10th District in the 2020 primary, although Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler beat her. Boylan is now running as a Democrat to be the Manhattan borough president.
Cuomo is currently serving his third term as governor after serving as New York’s Attorney General.
