Cuomo tried for many years to be a leader in the MeToo movement by signing laws to reduce workplace sexual harassment. Cuomo has demanded a "zero tolerance policy" for this behavior.Cuomo was facing a series of allegations of sexual harassment that threatened to end his third term as governor. Most of New York's political leaders called for him to resign. Cuomo, however, remained in office and hoped for a fourth term while insisting that he would be vindicated after the independent review he had originally encouraged.Anne Clark, an employment attorney who led the investigation, stated that a woman who had accused Cuomo to having groped her breasts, had already filed a police report. Clark said that any prosecutors or police department can review the evidence and decide if they wish to pursue further action.Cuomoo's civil independent investigation findings by the AG do not mean that Cuomo is likely to face criminal charges. James was asked whether any criminal charges would be brought against Cuomo. She stated that her department's work was complete and that the document is now available to the public. The matter is not criminal in nature and has no criminal consequences."James stated at a news conference that an independent investigation revealed Governor Andrew Cuomo had harassed multiple female employees. She stated that the investigation revealed misconduct that corrodes our state government's very fabric and character and that it shines light upon injustices that can exist at the highest levels.Sexual harassment should be treated with extreme caution and must be dealt with immediately.Investigators interviewed 179 people, including state troopers, employees and complainants who had interacted with the governor. They reviewed 74,000 pieces, including text, images, and audio recordings. Tuesday's release of the findings and the 168-page report was made public. The governor was reprimanded by 11 women, nine of which were state employees or current. One woman complained and the investigation revealed that the governor tried to retaliate.In the AG's report, Executive Assistant #1 is identified as the woman who filed a complaint. According to the report, the governor was found engaging in inappropriate conduct with the woman over a period of time since late 2019. This included hugs, kisses on the cheeks and once upon the lips, touching her butt during hugs, and comments about her personal and professional life including calling her a mingle mama, and asking her if she cheats on her husband.Cuomo allegedly reached underneath the woman's blouse while he was hugging her at the governor's mansion in November 2020. Although the woman intended to keep the story secret, colleagues noticed her emotional reaction. Cuomo allegedly reached under the woman's blouse and touched her breast while he was hugging her.Joon Kim, an ex-federal prosecutor, was the co-leader of the investigation. He said that Cuomo inappropriately touched multiple women, without their permission, touching and grabbing their most intimate parts as well as making inappropriate sexualized remarks.Kim said that these incidents were not isolated but were part of a larger pattern.A state trooper was one of the most shocking examples of harassment. He had allegedly been selected by the governor to be his security detail, despite not having the necessary experience. According to the report, Cuomo ran his hands across Cuomo's stomach from her belly button to her right knee as she opened the door for him at an event. The incident was witnessed by another state trooper.A different incident was also reported in the report. It showed that the governor ran his finger from the top of her neck to her spine, saying "hey, you," and then kissed the trooper on her cheek.A trooper reported that the governor made several sexually suggestive comments to her. He asked her to find a girlfriend, and said that he needed someone who could handle pain.After the governor's office requested an independent investigation into public claims of sexual harassment, Cuomo was subject to an investigation by the attorney general. Cuomo was interviewed by investigators from the attorney general's office for approximately 11 hours in July. Investigators also spoke with at least some of those women who claimed he committed sexual harassment.The Tuesday report names Charlotte Bennett, a former aide who was accused of sexual harassment by Cuomo in March. In 2020, Cuomo made a number of inappropriate comments to Bennettt, including asking him if he had ever been with older men. Bennett was then moved to another position and no formal investigation was initiated into her complaints. However, the executive chamber established its own rule to ensure that women are not left alone with the governor.Cuomo asked questions about the impartiality of investigators after he had spoken with them. In July, Cuomo told reporters that he was concerned about the independence of the reviewers. Does this all happen in a political system, or is it? It is undeniable.In recent months, multiple women have publicly accused Cuomo of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior at work and at public events. In February 2018, Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, tweeted that Cuomo had harassed her sexually for many years. Soon, four other women who worked for Cuomo followed Boylan's lead. Cuomo asked female staffers about their sexual lives and made claims of harassing them.Cuomo refused to resign during the spring. He denied the allegations repeatedly and apologized at times for making anyone uncomfortable.On a March conference call with reporters, he stated that he had not done what was alleged. While I won't speculate on people's motives, I can tell that as an ex-attorney general who has been through this same situation many times, there are many reasons for making an allegation. That is why it is important to understand the facts before you make any decisions.Cuomo has continued to resist calls for his resignation from top Democrats, and kept a restricted public schedule aside from small events with political allies. Although he hasn't stated whether he will run next year for reelection, there is no indication that he will. However, he has raised more than $1million at a fundraiser in the summer since he started fundraising again following the harassment scandals.Cuomos office was reprimanded after suggesting publicly that Jamess inquiry was politically motivated. She also suggested that she is planning to run for governor.James stated Tuesday that Cuomo's evidence revealed a disturbing, but clear picture of the behavior. He also applauded those women who came forward.She said that I believe them and thanked them for their courage.This is a breaking news story. Follow BuzzFeed News Twitter to receive updates.
