New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is facing bipartisan calls for his resignation as multiple women are accusing him of sexual harassment.
However, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says he does not believe the governor should simply resign.
“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,” he told Fox News.
He added, “I think that’s the best thing for the people of New York, and the best thing for the country.”
Watch the video below:
LISTEN: @AriFleischer reacts after third woman has accused NY Gov. Cuomo of unwanted advances #AmericaReports pic.twitter.com/3JbzuKCXib
— America Reports (@AmericaRpts) March 2, 2021
Two former aides have accused Cuomo of making unwanted sexual advances ranging from unwanted touching or kissing and asking questions about their personal lives.
A third woman has come forward to allege that she was subjected to unwanted touching.
Cuomo has denied that the acted inappropriately as he said in a statement, “I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work, and colleagues are often also personal friends. At work, sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good-natured way.”
He admitted that he has “teased people about their personal lives.” However, he said, “I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.”
“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 added.
“To be clear, I never inappropriately touched anybody, and I never propositioned anybody, and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve an answer to.”
Despite his denial of the allegations, Democrats and Republicans on the state and federal level have called for his resignation.
#BREAKING: Tonight I issued a statement regarding assertions of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo.
— Alessandra Biaggi (@SenatorBiaggi) February 28, 2021
As a New Yorker, a legislator, Chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee, and a survivor of sexual abuse, I am calling for Governor Cuomo to resign. pic.twitter.com/2aKiN8CIkR
Buenos días! Good luck to all the candidates petitioning today. It’s also a great day for the governor to resign 💁🏻♀️
— Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramosqns) March 2, 2021
Strike three and you’re out! Between this and the FBI/U.S. Attorneys probe into the nursing home deaths coverup, just resign already!!! Cuomo Accused of Unwanted Advance at a Wedding: ‘Can I Kiss You?’ – The New York Times https://t.co/2o61R2etNO
— Senator Jim Tedisco (@JamesTedisco) March 2, 2021
The Governor of New York must RESIGN.
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) March 2, 2021
He is a pervasive criminal sexual predator.
The time has come. The Governor must resign. https://t.co/GjcvuNfpfQ
— Archived: U.S. Rep Kathleen Rice (@RepKathleenRice) March 2, 2021
The state’s attorney general is investigating the allegations against Cuomo.