An anti-sexual harassment group made up of former state lawmakers called on Governor Cuomo to resign on Saturday following allegations of sexual harassment against him.
“ENOUGH. Now New York State has lost the talent and ambition of another woman, whose security and integrity were removed to serve the desires of a powerful man. Andrew Cuomo must resign now, ”the working group on sexual harassment said in a statement after Cuomo’s former aide, Charlotte Bennett, accused the governor of behaving inappropriately towards her last year.
Bennett, 25, told The New York Times that Cuomo, 63, complained about her being “lonely” and unable to hug anyone during the pandemic, before pressuring her about who she hugged for. last time.
When he revealed to Cuomo his own history of sexual assault, Bennett stated that his reaction “was something out of a horror movie,” the newspaper reported.
Cuomo allegedly repeated to Bennett, “You were raped and abused, attacked, assaulted and betrayed” over and over again while looking me straight in the eye … It was like trying me, “he told a friend in a text message The Times saw.
Earlier this week, the sexual harassment task force had called for an investigation by the governor after another former staffer, Lindsey Boylan, accused him of trying to kiss her on the mouth and suggest a “strip” game. poker ”.
“There must be an immediate independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s work conduct, led by an entity over which Cuomo has no appointment or supervisory powers.” the group tweeted hours after Boylan showed up.
In Saturday’s statement, the group – made up of seven former Albany officials who said they were harassed by former Assembly members Vito Lopez and Micah Kellner, among others – offered words of encouragement to Bennett.
“To Charlotte: We send you our shared strength, support and anger for the abuse you suffered,” the group wrote. “You’ve done something incredibly hard, becoming another important nexus of a powerful chain to create a harassment-free Albany. Nobody is asking for that, but we are proud of you. “