New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Resigns
2 Min Read
Following Biden's demand which came amidst the growing scrutiny of sexual assault allegations, New York governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his resignation.
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New York governor Andrew Cuomo
New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday, following a scathing report from the state's attorney general that detailed multiple allegations of sexual harassment against women. The decision prevents him from being impeached and convicted in the state legislature.
In a televised address, Cuomo said "given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let the government get back to the government, and therefore that is what I'll do, because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you".
Addressing his three daughters, Cuomo added, "I want them to know from the bottom of my heart that I never did and I never would intentionally disrespect a woman, treat any woman differently than I would want them treated, and that is God's honest truth."
"Your dad made mistakes. And he apologized, and he learned from it and that's what life is all about."
Last week, US President Joe Biden has called on New York governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Biden’s statement came in after he was asked if Cuomo should resign, to which he responded with a swift “yes.” With this response, the president ruptured all connections with his once close friend and political ally.
The third-term Democrat governor has recently come under scrutiny after multiple allegations of misconduct surfaced, which have painted a vilified image of a once-beloved public figure.
The telegenic and popular governor was considered an important leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, with his anti-Trump and pro-vaccine discourse serving as a haven for many New Yorkers.
However, the allegations directed at Cuomo have quickly shattered this image, notably after a report by New York State Attorney General Letitia James was released on Tuesday. The 165-pages report mentions two previously unreported allegations and describes how Cuomo and his office threatened a woman who made her allegations public.
The report concluded that “Governor Cuomo harassed multiple women, many of whom were young women, by engaging in unwanted groping, kisses, hugging, and by making inappropriate comments.”
