Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is breaking her silence on sexual harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D).
“These stories are difficult to read, and the allegations brought forth raise serious questions that the women who have come forward and all New Yorkers deserve answers to. I’m glad to see that there will be a full, independent, and thorough investigation,” Clinton said in a statement.
🚨 statement from @HillaryClinton regarding sexual harassment allegations against @NYGovCuomo …HRC calling stories “difficult to read” adding she’s glad there will be “full, independent & thorough investigation” @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/2VeHu2zWLw
— Tamara Gitt (@tamaragitt) March 1, 2021
Cuomo is now facing sexual harassment allegations from two of his former aides.
Former aides Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett both accused Cuomo of unwanted sexual advances.
The governor released a statement on Sunday where he apologized for his behavior, as IJR reported.
“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,” he said.
Cuomo denied the allegations and said, “I never inappropriately touched anybody, and I never propositioned anybody, and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) spoke out about the matter in a statement to Fox News, as IJR reported.
“The women who have come forward with serious and credible charges against Governor Cuomo deserve to be heard and to be treated with dignity,” Pelosi said.
She continued, “The independent investigation must have due process and respect for everyone involved.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) suggested more individuals may come forward about Cuomo’s alleged behavior.
“I don’t know why he has done these things he has done over the years, but he has,” de Blasio said during a press conference on Monday.
He added, “And I think more and more people are going to be talking about what they have experienced. And I think as people see more and more evidence, it’s going to be clear this is not the way any leader should treat anybody.”
Cuomo gave New York Attorney General Letitia James the go-ahead on Monday to investigate the allegations.
“Today, the executive chamber transmitted a referral letter to our office, providing us the authority to move forward with an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment claims made against Governor Cuomo,” James said in a statement.
She continued, “This is not a responsibility we take lightly as allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously.”