‘Unwanted flirtation’: NY Governor Andrew Cuomo acknowledges behaviour after sexual harassment complaint

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday has acknowledged for the first time that his behaviour with former aides of his administration has been “misinterpreted as unwanted flirtation. “

Cuomo has said he will cooperate with the sexual harassment investigation led by New York’s attorney general. In a statement released, he has denied touching or propositioning anyone inappropriately. 

Also Read: Second former aide accuses NY Governor Cuomo of sexual harassment

In a statement released amid mounting criticism from within his own party, the Democrat maintained he had never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone. But has said he teased people and made jokes about their personal lives in an attempt to be “playful.”

Also Read: Governor Cuomo requests New York Attorney General to pick lawyer for sexual harassment case review

Governor Cuomo has said, “I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.”

Also Read: Second former aide accuses NY Governor Cuomo of sexual harassment

Cuomo has been accused of sexual misconduct by two of his former aides, Charlotte Bennett and Lindsey Boylan.  

Jen Psaki, White House press secretary has said, “There should be an independent review looking into these allegations and we believe should move forward as quickly as possible.” 

Also Read: New York Governor compared me to her ex-girlfriends: Former aide

The calls for investigation into Governor Cuomo’s inappropriate behaviour increased when Charlotte Bennett, another former aide from his administration went public with her claims of being harassed. Lindsey Boylan was the first to go public with her allegations. 

Attorney General Letitia James and other leading party officials rejected two proposals by Cuomo which they said could have potentially limited the independence of the investigation.

The Attorney General said, “I do not accept the governor’s proposal. The state’s Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral. While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law. The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted.”