New York Governor Cuomo resigning in wake of sexual harassment report

WASHINGTON

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday that he is resigning in the wake of a bombshell sexual harassment report, but continued to maintain his innocence.

Cuomo had faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to step down, including President Joe Biden, after the state's independent investigation concluded he sexually harassed 11 women.

"In my mind, I've never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn't realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn," Cuomo said in a televised news conference, blaming the change on "generational and cultural shifts" that he said he "didn't fully appreciate."

"And I should have, no excuses," he said. "Personal boundaries must be expanded, and must be protected. I accept full responsibility."

Cuomo's resignation will take effect in 14 days and he will be replaced by Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul who will become the state's first female governor.

An independent panel concluded after a five-month investigation that Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women from 2013 through 2020. The allegations that were examined included unwanted kissing, hugging and groping as well as inappropriate comments.

The probe determined Cuomo and senior officials retaliated against at least one former employee for coming forward with her claims, said his administration fostered a “toxic” and "hostile" work environment that was "rife with fear and intimidation and accompanied by a consistent overlooking of inappropriate flirtations and other sexually suggestive and gender-based comments by the Governor."

Those conditions "allowed the sexual harassment to occur and persist" and further "influenced the improper and inadequate ways in which the Executive Chamber has responded to allegations of harassment," investigators Joon Kim and Anne Clark wrote in a 168-page report, using the state's name to refer to the governor's administration.