Home  ›  CHAUDHRI Cuomos number has been called

CHAUDHRI Cuomos number has been called

Edit
Breadcrumb Trail Links
  • World
  • Opinion

    • Author of the article:

    Sunira Chaudhri New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in New York City, May 10, 2021. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in New York City, May 10, 2021. Photo by Mary ALTAFFER / POOL /AFP via Getty Images Article content

    “No elected official is above the law.”

    Advertisement

    Story continues below

    This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

    Article content

    These are the words of New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand as they called  for the resignation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday.

    In March, I wrote an article â€" Why is Andrew Cuomo only being investigated now?â€"  following the onslaught of sexual harassment allegations levied against the governor by several women, including two employees. It appeared then that Cuomo already had a history of sexual harassment allegations â€" some of which remained unanswered several years later.

    New York Attorney General Letitia James’ five-month investigation â€" released Tuesday â€" concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, including various state employees.

    The report compiled the extensive allegations of each accuser, including those of his former executive assistant who reported misconduct by the governor while she worked there, “including regular hugs and kisses on the cheek (and at least one kiss on the lips).”

    Advertisement

    Story continues below

    This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

    Article content

    The report also detailed her other allegations: “The governor grabbed executive assistant #1’s butt while they took a selfie in the Executive Mansion, and where the governor, during a hug, reached under executive assistant #1’s blouse and grabbed her breast.”

    We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

    Ultimately, the attorney general accepted the evidence of the accusers in her report, finding: “the governor sexually harassed a number of state employees through unwelcome and unwanted touching, as well as by making numerous offensive and sexually suggestive comments”.

    The report also reached the conclusion that “the culture of fear and intimidation, the normalization of inappropriate comments and interactions, and the poor enforcement of the policies and safeguards, contributed to the sexual harassment, retaliation and an overall hostile work environment in the executive chamber.”

    Advertisement

    Story continues below

    This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

    Article content

    Despite the mounting evidence, Cuomo has denied the allegations and the veracity of James’ report. In responding to the report, Cuomo said “the facts are much different than what has been portrayed,” and “I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.”

    He added “I am 63 years old,” and “that is just not who I am.”

    Notwithstanding his blanket denial of the allegations, the repercussions of James’ report is damning to Cuomo and his office. Many of the victims were employees and this was their workplace.

    The attorney general’s probe determined unequivocally that the work environment was unsafe and hostile.

    Several of the complainants have hired their own lawyers to represent them. This report is the feather in their cap.

    Advertisement

    Story continues below

    This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

    Article content

    Any civil proceedings against Cuomo and his office will rely on the evidence contained in the report.

    More often than not, employees must endure character attacks, delays and strong-armed defences when alleging sexual harassment in the workplace in a civil court.

    James’ report, however, has all but handed each victim a courtroom victory should they decide to proceed. When sexual harassment allegations are made, criminal charges can also follow; even if the harassment happened in the workplace.

    Misconduct of the magnitude contained in James’ report can only come to pass in workplaces that see something but say nothing.

    Cuomo will not be the only antagonist in this story; any who may have insulated the governor from any consequences will see their reckoning, too.

    Share this article in your social network Advertisement

    Story continues below

    This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

    By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! Comments

    Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notificationsâ€"you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

    0 Response to "CHAUDHRI Cuomos number has been called"

    Post a Comment

    Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)