Facing several allegations of sexual harassment, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) is claiming his actions did not constitute harassment.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Cuomo said, “I never said anything that I believed was inappropriate. I never meant to make you feel that way. You may hear it that way. You may interperate that way. And I respect that. And I apologize to you if I said something you think is offensive.”
When the reporter noted according to New York State law, a harasser’s intention does not matter, Cuomo said, “Harassment is not making someone feel uncomfortable. That is not harassment. If I just made you feel uncomfortable, that is not harassment. That’s you feeling uncomfortable.”
Watch the video below:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY): “If I just made you feel uncomfortable, that is not harassment. That’s you feeling uncomfortable.” pic.twitter.com/UIUcbf2pEB
— The Recount (@therecount) May 13, 2021
At least eight women have accused the governor of sexual harassment and behavior ranging from unwanted touching to suggestive remarks.
He has denied any wrongdoing but apologized for making the women feel uncomfortable.
“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,” he said in a March press conference amid allegations of harassment.
“I feel awful about it. And frankly, I am embarrassed by it,” he added.
However, he went on to say that he would not resign, “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.”
Additionally, Cuomo also claimed that the New York State attorney general’s probe of the allegations would not find evidence of wrongdoing because “I didn’t do anything wrong.”