Although he apologized to women who have accused him of making unwanted advances, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday reiterated that he “never touched anyone inappropriately” and rejected the growing calls to resign.

Addressing a press conference in Albany, Cuomo urged New Yorkers to wait for an attorney general’s inquiry into the allegations to proceed before forming an opinion about the matter and said he will “fully cooperate” with the investigation.

“Make the decision when you know the facts,” the 63-year-old said.

“I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never knew at the time that I was making anyone feel uncomfortable. I never knew at the time I was making anyone feel uncomfortable,” he said.

ALSO READ | Pressure mounting on Andrew Cuomo to quit after three sexual harassment allegations

The three-term Governor affirmed, “I’m not going to resign.”

But Cuomo said he “learned an important lesson” about his own behaviour around women.

“It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it,” he added.

Although Cuomo’s Wednesday press conference primarily focused on the latest data on the coronavirus pandemic in New York, he was questioned about the allegations.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Letitia James is in the process of selecting an outside law firm to conduct an investigation into the allegations and produce a report that will be made publicly.

As the tensions were rising, Cuomo avoided public appearances for days.

He hadn’t spoken publicly since giving New York Attorney General Letitia James a referral to investigate claims that he sexually harassed at least two women in his administration.

One former aide, Charlotte Bennett, 25, said Cuomo quizzed her about her sex life and asked whether she would be open to a relationship with an older man.

Bennett rejected Cuomo’s attempted apology, in which he said he’d been trying to be “playful” and that his jokes had been misinterpreted as flirting.

ALSO READ | Chris Cuomo says he ‘can’t cover’ sexual harassment allegations against brother Andrew

Another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, said Cuomo commented on her appearance inappropriately, kissed her without her consent at the end of a meeting, and once suggested they play strip poker while aboard his state-owned jet. Cuomo has denied Boylan’s allegations.  

And another woman, Anna Ruch, told The New York Times that Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her at a September 2019 wedding.

Democrats and Republicans have joined Cuomo’s accusers and anti-harassment campaigners in calling for Cuomo to step down.