The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced it is rescinding former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) honorary Emmy.
“The International Academy announced today that in light of the New York Attorney General’s report, and Andrew Cuomo’s subsequent resignation as Governor, it is rescinding his special 2020 International Emmy Award,” the academy said in a statement.
It added, “His name and any reference to his receiving the award will be eliminated from International Academy materials going forward.”
NEW: Andrew Cuomo has been stripped of his International Emmy. pic.twitter.com/gJHNY26hZ8
— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) August 24, 2021
The academy announced in November of 2020 it was awarding Cuomo an Emmy for how he used television throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that Cuomo violated federal and state laws for “sexually [harassing] multiple women,” as IJR reported.
Cuomo later announced he would be stepping down from his position, saying, “New York Tough means New York loving. And I l love New York, and I love you. And everything I have ever done has been motivated by that love. And I would never want to be unhelpful in any way.”
He added, “I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is to step aside and let government get back to governing.”
The former governor spoke out against the report during his farewell address Monday, as IJR reported.
“The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic,” Cuomo said, continuing, “And it worked. There was a political and media stampede. But the truth will [come] out in time. Of that, I am confident.”
According to Cuomo, his instinct was to “fight this because it unfair and unjust.”
He argued, “Prolonging this situation could only cause governmental paralysis, and that is just not an option for you and not an option for the state, especially now.”
Concluding his address, Cuomo told viewers, “When government politicizes allegations, and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system. And that doesn’t serve women, and it doesn’t serve men or society.”
Cuomo officially stepped down at midnight and Kathy Hochul became the new governor on Tuesday. She is the first female New York governor.