New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is apologizing for making the women who have accused him of sexual harassment feel uncomfortable, but says he will not step down.
The embattled governor is facing bipartisan calls for his resignation after three women accused him of sexual harassment — which the state’s attorney general is investigating — and as he reportedly is facing a federal investigation into his administration’s handling of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Cuomo apologized for his behavior as he said, “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.”
“I feel awful about it. And frankly, I am embarrassed by it,” he added.
However, Cuomo maintained that he “never touched anyone inappropriately.” He also said he did not know that he made his accusers feel uncomfortable.
Cuomo also said, “I certainly never meant to offend anyone, or hurt anyone, or cause anyone any pain. That is the last thing I would ever want to do.”
Watch the video below:
Cuomo responds to sexual harassment allegations: "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. I feel awful about it, and frankly, I am embarrassed by it." https://t.co/tNAMkwadPB pic.twitter.com/6k1TitRRX1
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 3, 2021
Finally, he asked New Yorkers to hold off forming an opinion until New York State Attorney General Letitia James (D) concludes her investigation into the allegations against him.
Despite the allegations and ongoing investigations, the governor said he does not plan on resigning.
“Some politicians will always play politics, right? That’s the nature of the beast… I wasn’t elected by politicians, I was elected by the people of the state of New York. I’m not going to resign,” Cuomo said.
He continued, “I work for the people of the state of New York. They elected me. And I’m going to serve the people of the state of New York.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY): “I’m not going to resign.” pic.twitter.com/CdvHnezbHS
— The Recount (@therecount) March 3, 2021
Cuomo’s comments did not appear to assuage state lawmakers, some of whom have suggested that they should consider impeachment proceedings.
"It'd be foolish of us to take [impeaching @NYGovCuomo] off the table," state Sen. @JamesSkoufis says after the governor said he will not resign following sexual harassment allegations.
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 3, 2021
Andrew Cuomo wants you to know that if only the women had the courage to confront the Governor of New York about how he made them feel, he wouldn’t be in this mess, and that this has been an incredibly difficult time for him as well.
— Alessandra Biaggi (@Biaggi4NY) March 3, 2021
The Governor says: "Wait for the facts from the AG's report before forming an opinion" and that he never touched anyone inappropriately.
— Alessandra Biaggi (@Biaggi4NY) March 3, 2021
Yet there is a picture of @NYGovCuomo biting his lip, while inappropriately touching Anna Ruch.
So here is lie #1. https://t.co/qVpg7ZTAf8
I would argue that it’s highly inappropriate to kiss a staffer on the lips without their unequivocal consent, and highly inappropriate for the governor to put his hands on the face of a woman and grab her without her consent. These denials are very sad to watch. https://t.co/EY8LSlJuyQ
— Julia Salazar (@JuliaCarmel__) March 3, 2021
While state and federal lawmakers called for the governor to resign, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he believes, “Rather than jumping to the conclusion that he should resign, I think what should happen is there should be a process, where the people who make the accusations can be heard, and he can defend himself.”