Cuomo Aide Says She Was Afraid To Come Forward With Groping Allegations In First TV Interview: 'He Is A Professional Fighter'

ToplineAndrew Cuomo's most serious allegations were made by the woman who gave her first televised interview Monday. She explained why it took almost half a decade for her to reveal her identity and file a criminal case against him.This photo was provided by CBS This Morning/Times Union. Brittany Commisso is seen answering... [+] question during an interview with Jericka Duncan, CBS correspondent, on CBS This Morning Sunday, August 8, 2021 in New York. (CBS This Morning, Times Union via AP). ASSOCIATED PRESSThe Key FactsBrittany Commisso was an aide to Cuomo. She was referred to in the New York Attorney Generals bombshell reports as executive assistant #1. Her identity was revealed in an interview with CBS This Morning. In an interview with CBS This Morning and The Albany Times Union, Brittany Commisso, an aide to the governor, revealed her identity. She detailed the groping incident and claimed that Cuomo grabbed her and rubbed her stomach while they were taking a selfie. Commisso initially pledged to keep the incident private, but she changed her mind after seeing Cuomo's press conference. Commisso claimed that Cuomo grabbed her breasts while they were taking a selfie in December 2019. In November 2020, Commisso also said that Cuomo touched her breast in the executive mansion.Important QuoteIt was difficult to balance my personal and professional life at times. Commisso stated that people don't understand it is the governor of New York. I was afraid that the governor and his aides would brutally attack me if I came forward and reveal my name, and would smear and discredit my name like I have seen them do to other people.Chief CriticRita Glavin from Cuomos, Cuomos' attorney, has called the investigation by the attorney general biased and an ambush. She specifically targeted Commissos claims during a nearly hour-long interview that was broadcast on CNN Saturday. Glavin stated that he did not grope her and that evidence was presented by multiple individuals to the Attorney General regarding possible motives for her making that claim.Important BackgroundCommisso was one of 11 women who accused Cuomoof sexual harassment. This interview took place hours after Melissa DeRosa, Cuomos' top aide, announced her resignation. DeRosa, one of Cuomo's most fierce defenders, has resigned amid widespread calls for his resignation and impeachment.Continue readingCuomo Groping Allegations Made Public by Aide (Forbes).Cuomo report highlights the role of Melissa DeRosa, top aide in trying to control sexual harassment crisis (The Washington Post).