Six takeaways on the investigation of NY Governor Andrew Cuomo

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a press conference in New York City, New York, the United States, July 6, 2021. REUTERS / Jeenah Moon

Aug 3 (Reuters) – Here are six findings from an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James that concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo violated federal and state law by sexually harassing women who worked for him Has. Continue reading

* James received the necessary referral from Cuomo’s office on March 1 to begin her investigation after two former aides to the governor, Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett, went public with complaints that Cuomo had sexually molested them.

* James appointed two independent lawyers to lead the investigation: Joon Kim, a former federal attorney, and Anne Clark, a well-known labor law attorney.

* Investigators spoke to 179 people, including women, who complained that Cuomo had sexually molested them, as well as Cuomo himself, who gave an 11-hour interview in his Manhattan office on July 17. They received over 74,000 documents in response to subpoenas.

* The investigation found that Cuomo sexually molested at least 11 women, including Boylan, Bennett, and a state trooper; the harassment included unsolicited groping, kissing, and sexual comments, and Cuomo retaliated against at least one of the women who complained.

* Although James emphasized that her investigation was a civil matter and that her office would not conduct prosecution, the investigation concluded that Cuomo violated Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New York State Human Rights Act violated both of which prohibit sexual discrimination in the workplace.

* In a video statement, Cuomo denied James’ findings, saying, “I’ve never touched anyone inappropriately.”

Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Howard Goller

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