House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that allegations of sexual harassment against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are “credible.”
The California representative joined a chorus of Democrats calling for a truly independent investigation into allegations of misconduct filed against Cuomo by two of his former officials.
“Women who have filed serious and credible allegations against Governor Cuomo deserve to be heard and treated with dignity,” Pelosi said in a statement.
“Independent investigation must have due process and respect for all involved.”
The statement came when Cuomo, 63, agreed to let the state’s attorney general, Letitia James, appoint an external investigator to the growing scandal.
His senior adviser Beth Garvey originally said Saturday night that the administration had approved former federal judge Barbara Jones to lead an investigation.
However, the move sparked bipartisan criticism, both because Cuomo was trying to dictate his own investigation, and because Jones had previously worked with Cuomo’s lawyer and key adviser, Steve Cohen.
When the reaction escalated Sunday morning, James asked the Cuomo administration for his office to appoint an independent investigator, as prescribed by state law.
Cuomo’s concession came after several New York lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx / Queens), stressed the importance of an impartial investigation.
“Detailed accounts of sexual harassment by Governor Cuomo of Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett are extremely serious and painful to read,” wrote AOC. “There must be an independent investigation, not led by a person selected by the governor, but by the attorney general’s office.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who led the charge that led to the resignation of former Senator Al Franken for allegations of sexual misconduct, had also been one of those calling for an independent investigation.
“These allegations are serious and deeply troubling,” Gillibrand said in a statement. “As requested by Attorney General James, the matter should be referred to his office so that it can conduct a transparent, independent and thorough investigation with subpoena power.”
Gillibrand In 2017, Gillibrand, the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, quickly issued a full-throat condemnation of her colleague Franken while facing accusations from several women.
“That’s enough,” he said then.
Additional reports by Mark Moore