New York Mayor Leads Call For Cuomo Ouster After Probe Says Governor Acted Inappropriately
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published August 04, 2021 | 12:20 AM
NEW YORK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th August, 2021) Nearly all of New York's congressional delegation has broken ranks with Governor Andrew Cuomo after a state investigation concluded on Tuesday that he sexually harassed multiple women, with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio leading calls for the resignation of the governor.
"It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor," said de Blasio who has not ruled out running for the governor's job when his own current term as mayor ends. "He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately."
Earlier on Tuesday, New York State Attorney General Letitia James said a months-long probe sanctioned by her office concluded that Cuomo harassed multiple women, many of them his younger colleagues, breaking state as well as US Federal laws. She said Cuomo and some of his senior aides also attempted to silence complainants by making it difficult for them to continue their work for the state.
Cuomo also lost the support of a majority of lawmakers in his Democrat party in the state legislature, including New York's two US senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
"Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York," the Democratic senators wrote in a joint statement.
"Governor Cuomo should resign."
Cuomo's investigators, who took up complaints by 11 women, say they interviewed 179 people and reviewed 74,000 pieces of evidence that included documents, emails, texts, audio files and pictures.
Cuomo, in an immediate reaction, denied he had harassed any of the complainants, saying the probe had "weaponized everyday interactions" of his and "unfairly characterized" him.
"I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances," the governor said in a live stream carried on Twitter.
De Blasio, one of the most vociferous voices against Cuomo, defended the probe and Cuomo's accusers.
"My first thoughts are with the women who were subject to this abhorrent behavior, and their bravery in stepping forward to share their stories," the New York mayor said in a statement. "The Attorney General's detailed and thorough report substantiates many disturbing instances of severe misconduct. Andrew Cuomo committed sexual assault and sexual harassment, and intimidated a whistleblower. It is disqualifying."
The probe against Cuomo was a civil investigation and it is not known whether any criminal charges will eventually be pressed against the governor.
At the age of 63, Cuomo has been in office for three consecutive terms since 2011.
Recent Stories
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
More Stories From World
-
Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences 'responsibly'
22 minutes ago -
Norway oil giant Equinor's profit falls on lower gas prices
22 minutes ago -
N. Macedonia's right-wing presidential candidate wins 1st round
42 minutes ago -
Vietnam court jails soft drinks tycoon in $40 million scam case
42 minutes ago -
The guardian angels of the source of the Seine
1 hour ago -
Star Dudamel brings inclusive vision to New York Philharmonic
2 hours ago
-
Paris dream of swimming in the Seine finally within reach
2 hours ago -
Portugal's Carnation Revolution, 50 years on
2 hours ago -
Tough times for Argentine factories as consumers penny-pinch
3 hours ago -
Use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among youth 'alarming': WHO
3 hours ago -
Football: Italian Cup result
3 hours ago -
Bird flu in humans? Experts see little risk
3 hours ago