New York Governor Andrew Cuomo‘s resignation will take effect in two weeks. His departure comes after last week’s report by Attorney General Letitia James revealed he sexually harassed 11 women.
What We Know:
- Cuomo made his decision in a televised address. In his declaration, he stated the “best way” he could help is to step aside and “let the government get back to government.” He did not answer any questions during his event.
- Although Cuomo declared he did “the right thing” and apologized to his accusers, he continued affirming he did not do anything to merit removal from office. Instead, Cuomo made it seem like his resignation was necessary to avoid arguments and divisiveness that would affect the state’s government.
“Government operations and wasting energy on distraction is the last thing government should be. I cannot be the cause,” said Cuomo.
- Additionally, the governor took the time to speak to his three daughters about the situation. In his speech, he said he wanted his children to know he did not, and never would, intentionally disrespect or mistreat women. He also declared that he made mistakes, but he apologized and learned from them.
- Gov. Cuomo also thanked his accusers for speaking out against him. He also insisted he never intended to make them feel uncomfortable. He stated that he hugs and kisses both men and women casually and that he never realized “the extent to which the line has been redrawn.”
“There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate,” he continued.
- For months now, Gov. Cuomo saw a string of women, including some former aides, revealing he touched and spoke to them ungentlemanly. Lindsey Boylan, the first to announce the sexual harassment, wrote in an essay that Cuomo subjected her to years of “pervasive harassment;” Cuomo quickly responded to these allegations and even tried defaming her for it alongside longtime secretary Melissa DeRosa.
- When James’ report came out last week, President Joe Biden and other politicians called for his removal. This came alongside the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s impeachment probe, which began in March and neared its end last week. Cuomo resigned just three days before his lawyers’ deadline to provide the Judiciary Committee with evidence so they could move forward with the probe.
After he completes his final days in office, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will take over his position; Hochul will become the first female governor of New York.
