Andrew Cuomo apologizes for sexual harassment scandal, but says he’s ‘not going to resign'

ALBANY – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday he will not cede to a growing number of calls for his resignation amid a sexual-harassment scandal, pleading for New York residents to wait for an investigation to conclude before forming their opinions.

Cuomo, a Democrat, appeared in public for the first time since Feb. 24, offering his first on-camera comments since three women — including two former aides — gave detailed accusations of sexual harassment by the Democrat.

The embattled governor apologized for any actions that offended the women but said he never knew he was making them uncomfortable at the time. He pledged to cooperate with an investigation led by Attorney General Letitia James' office.

"I fully support a woman’s right to come forward, and I think it should be encouraged in every way," Cuomo said during a news conference from the Capitol's Red Room, looking directly into the camera.

"I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional, and I truly and deeply apologize for it."

Cuomo made clear he has no intention of stepping down, saying: "I am not going to resign."

"I'm going to do the job the people of the state of New York elected me to do," Cuomo said.

On Feb. 24, former economic development aide Lindsey Boylan wrote an essay accusing Cuomo of once kissing her on the lips without consent in 2018 and making inappropriate comments, including a remark about wanting to play strip poker.

Since then, a second former aide, 25-year-old Charlotte Bennett, told The New York Times that Cuomo repeatedly asked probing questions about her sex life and her experience as a sexual assault survivor, telling Bennett he would be open to a relationship with a woman in her 20s and asking whether she practiced monogamy.

And on Monday, a 33-year-old woma... (Read more)

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