Andrew Cuomo, then governor of New York, faced mounting criticism in early 2021 after several women accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate workplace behavior. On February 28, 2021, Cuomo issued a public apology, acknowledging that some of his comments and interactions may have made women uncomfortable.
Although he expressed regret, Cuomo denied intentionally harassing anyone and rejected allegations of inappropriate physical contact and sexual advances. The controversy prompted an independent investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office, which later concluded that he had sexually harassed multiple women.
Andrew Cuomo's February 2021 Apology
On February 28, 2021, Cuomo released a statement addressing allegations made by former female employees. He acknowledged that his communication style could sometimes be overly familiar and that certain remarks might have been interpreted as unwanted flirting.
Cuomo explained that he frequently joked with colleagues about their personal lives, relationships, and marriages. He said he considered such conversations harmless workplace banter but recognized that others might not have viewed them the same way.
In his statement, Cuomo said:
"I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm."
He also apologized to anyone who felt uncomfortable because of his behavior. However, he maintained that he had never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone.
The statement came as political pressure intensified, with several lawmakers and public officials demanding an independent investigation into the allegations.
What Were the Allegations Against Andrew Cuomo?
The controversy involved accusations from several women, including former employees who described inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, and behavior they considered sexual harassment.
Lindsey Boylan
Lindsey Boylan, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to Cuomo, publicly described alleged incidents during her time working in his administration.
She accused Cuomo of making inappropriate comments, engaging in unwanted physical contact, and creating an uncomfortable working environment. Boylan also described an alleged incident in which Cuomo kissed her without her consent.
Cuomo denied the allegations.
Charlotte Bennett
Charlotte Bennett, another former aide, accused Cuomo of making sexually suggestive comments and asking invasive questions about her personal life.
In a February 2021 interview with The New York Times, Bennett said Cuomo asked whether she had relationships with older men and whether she would consider dating someone older. She interpreted the questions as inappropriate, particularly because he was her employer and knew about her previous experience with sexual assault.
Cuomo denied making sexual advances toward Bennett. His office said he believed he had been discussing workplace harassment and relationships in an effort to help her.
Cuomo Issues a Second Apology on March 3, 2021
On March 3, 2021, Cuomo addressed the allegations again during a televised news conference. This time, he offered a more direct apology and acknowledged that his behavior had caused discomfort.
"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 said he had learned from the controversy and felt embarrassed by the situation. He also expressed support for women who came forward to report inappropriate behavior.
However, he continued to deny intentionally making sexual advances or engaging in inappropriate physical contact. He refused to resign and argued that the allegations should be examined through an independent investigation.
New York Attorney General Launches an Independent Investigation
On March 1, 2021, Cuomo's administration formally referred the sexual harassment allegations to New York Attorney General Letitia James for an independent investigation.
James appointed independent attorneys Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark to lead the investigation. Their work examined allegations involving current and former state employees as well as women outside the state government.
The investigation lasted nearly five months and involved:
- Interviews with 179 individuals.
- Review of more than 74,000 documents, including emails, text messages, and photographs.
- Examination of allegations involving unwanted touching, kissing, hugging, and sexually suggestive comments.
- Investigation of possible retaliation against employees who reported misconduct.
Cuomo also participated in an interview under oath as part of the investigation.
Investigation Finds Cuomo Sexually Harassed 11 Women
On August 3, 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James released the findings of the independent investigation.
The report concluded that Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women, including current and former New York State employees. Investigators documented unwanted touching, kissing, hugging, and inappropriate comments of a sexual nature.
The report also found that Cuomo and members of his senior staff had engaged in retaliatory conduct against at least one former employee who publicly reported harassment.
Investigators described the governor's office as a workplace characterized by fear and intimidation. They concluded that the administration's workplace culture had enabled harassment and contributed to a hostile working environment.
The report found that the conduct violated several state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New York State Human Rights Law.
Cuomo disputed the findings and criticized the investigation. He argued that the report contained factual and procedural problems and maintained that he had not intentionally sexually harassed anyone.
Andrew Cuomo Resigns as New York Governor
Following the release of the investigation, pressure on Cuomo to resign increased significantly. Several Democratic lawmakers, including prominent members of Congress and state officials, called for him to leave office.
On August 10, 2021, Cuomo announced that he would resign as governor of New York. He said stepping aside was the best way to prevent the controversy from affecting the state's government.
His resignation became effective on August 24, 2021. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul subsequently became New York's first female governor.
Cuomo continued to challenge the investigation's conclusions and denied the most serious allegations. However, the controversy ended his decade-long tenure as governor.
Federal Investigation Reinforces the Workplace Harassment Findings
The controversy continued after Cuomo left office. In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced findings that the New York State Executive Chamber under Cuomo had subjected female employees to a sexually hostile work environment and failed to adequately address harassment and retaliation.
The federal investigation found that at least 13 state employees had been sexually harassed. It also identified failures in the administration's handling of complaints and retaliation against four women who had raised concerns.
The Justice Department reached a settlement agreement with New York State requiring additional workplace reforms, including stronger reporting procedures, improved investigations, anti-retaliation measures, and expanded employee training.
The agreement addressed institutional failures within the Executive Chamber. It was not a criminal conviction of Cuomo, who continued to deny wrongdoing and challenge the findings.
Conclusion
Andrew Cuomo's public apologies in February and March 2021 marked the beginning of a major political and workplace misconduct controversy in New York.
Although Cuomo acknowledged that some of his behavior had made women uncomfortable, he denied intentionally engaging in sexual harassment. An independent investigation subsequently concluded that he had sexually harassed 11 women and that his administration had fostered a hostile workplace.
The findings led to mounting political pressure and his resignation on August 24, 2021. A later federal investigation reinforced concerns about harassment and retaliation within his former administration, resulting in further institutional reforms.
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