New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has fiercely denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled at him over the past several months during his first in-person Q&A with press since late last year.
The governor was asked Monday about the multiple scandals and investigations that have enveloped his administration during an event at the Fairgrounds outside of Syracuse after he announced that the State Fair will reopen this summer at 50 percent capacity. Cuomo denied the allegations of several women who have accused him of behavior ranging from inappropriate comments to groping.
“To put it very simply ‘no,’” he said, when asked if the reports were true.
When asked if he would resign if a forthcoming investigation from state Attorney General Tish James’ office finds evidence otherwise, Cuomo said that would not be the case.
“The report can’t say anything different because I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.
Background: Cuomo has apologized for making anyone feel uncomfortable and acknowledged that he regularly hugs and kisses both men and women to greet them, but has regularly denied allegations of “inappropriate” physical contact or relationships.
Cuomo also denied reports that executive chamber employees were forced to work on the production of the book he published last year, saying that staffers volunteered for the work. But there are no specific records of when exactly they were working in a volunteer capacity versus their official duties.
Oh, about that fair: Cuomo is a big fan of the fair and has regularly touted his administration’s investment in its growth and development. Cuomo said that the fair will run the full 18 days at 50 percent capacity spread out among four different locations.
Those limitations could shift one way or another between now and the Aug. 20 opening date, Cuomo said. He also announced looser gathering restrictions across the state.
Starting May 19, outdoor stadium capacity will increase from 20 percent to 33 percent. On May 15, offices can increase from 50 percent to 75 percent capacity, casinos will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent and gyms outside New York City will increase from 33 percent to 50 percent.
Read more: politico.com
