New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned on Tuesday following an inquiry that found he sexually harassed 11 women, the downfall continues for one of the most prominent politicians in the United States.
Last week, one of Cuomo’s accusers, Brittany Commisso, filed a criminal report with the Albany County sheriff’s office, alleging the governor groped her breast at the Executive Mansion in Albany last November.
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The sheriff told reporters his office would conduct a thorough investigation.
Cuomo had for months denied escalating accusations of sexual harassment – and renewed those denials after the investigative report was issued. But what was left of his political support crumbled after the findings were made public. Hours later, Biden – a friend of the governor for years – told reporters at the White House: “I think he should resign.”
His resignation spared Cuomo from possible removal from office through impeachment proceedings in the Democratic-controlled state legislature, which appeared overwhelmingly likely as lawmakers abandoned him in droves.
The investigation, detailed in a 168-page report, found that Cuomo groped, kissed, or made suggestive comments to women including current and former government workers – one a state trooper – and retaliated against at least one woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.