August 10, 2021
New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned today.
I’d like to address several issues today.
First, I’ve always started by telling New Yorkers the facts before my opinion.
So, let’s start New York tough, with the truth.
The attorney general did a report on complaints made against me by certain women for my conduct.
The report said I sexually harassed 11 women — that was the headline people heard and saw and reacted to.
The reaction was outrage. It should have been. However, it was also false.
My lawyers, as you just heard from Rita Glavin, have reviewed the report over the past several days and have already raised serious issues and flaws.
That should concern all New Yorkers because when there is a bias or a lack of fairness in the justice system, it is a concern for everyone, not just those immediately affected.
The most serious allegations made against me had no credible, factual basis in the report. And there is a difference between alleged improper conduct and concluding sexual harassment.
Now, don’t get me wrong. This is not to say that there are not 11 women who I truly offended. There are and for that, I deeply, deeply apologize.
I thought a hug and putting my arm around a staff person while taking a picture was friendly, but she found it to be too forward.
I kissed a woman on the cheek at a wedding and I thought I was being nice, but she felt that it was too aggressive.
I have slipped and called people “honey,” “sweetheart” and “darling,” I meant it to be endearing. But women found it dated and offensive.
Complete transcript here.
