The investigation into sexual harassment allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has expanded to examine whether his senior aides attempted to intimidate accusers and failed to follow proper complaint procedures, according to reports.
New York Attorney General Letitia James' office is probing the actions of top officials to determine if they enabled Cuomo's behaviour, retaliated against complainants, or mishandled complaints. This follows revelations that the governor's office released personnel records and circulated a letter attacking the credibility of his first accuser, Lindsey Boylan.
Eight women have now accused Cuomo of sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour, including Alyssa McGrath, the first current aide to come forward. She alleged the governor ogled her body, called her and a colleague 'mingle mamas', and questioned her marital status.
Three accusers—Charlotte Bennett, Lindsey Boylan, and Ana Liss—told investigators they were questioned about the actions of Cuomo's senior aides. Bennett's lawyers said the administration failed to follow correct procedures when she complained to Cuomo's chief of staff that the governor asked about her sex life. Bennett claims she was never contacted by the Governor's Office for Employee Relations, despite Cuomo signing a 2018 law requiring such complaints to be investigated.
Cuomo has denied touching anyone inappropriately or making inappropriate advances, but apologised for making anyone feel uncomfortable. He faces mounting calls to resign, including from top New York lawmakers, but has vowed to remain in office pending the investigation's outcome.
