ToplineAndrew Cuomo, who was under pressure for months to resign amid growing allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct, announced Tuesday that he would be leaving his position as governor of New York. Kathy Hochul will take his place. He described his decision as a way of calming a storm of legal and political controversy.Andrew Cuomo, New York Governor, speaks to media during a news conference held in Manhattan on May 5, 2021... [+] in New York City. Cuomo announced that Broadway will reopen tomorrow, September 14. Some tickets will go on sale starting tomorrow. The governor states that theaters, which are a big draw for tourists, will open at 100% capacity. Cuomo also announced that visitors to the Yankee and Mets baseball games can now get a vaccination and will receive a ticket for another game. (Photo taken by Spencer Platt / POOL / AFP). (Photo by SPENCER Platt/POOL/AFP via Getty Images). POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Key FactsCuomo made his abrupt resignation at Tuesday's press conference. This marks the end of a decade-long, turbulent family dynasty that was praised for its success just over a year back. Cuomo, a 63-year old Democrat, maintained his innocence in sexual harassment allegations. A bombshell report by the New York State attorney generals Office last week detailed the scandal. Cuomo stated that Kathy Hochul, Cuomo's second-in-command, will take over. Hochul said in a statement that she supports Cuomo's decision to resign.Important QuoteCuomo stated that I am a New Yorker, born and raised, and that my instinct is to fight this controversy. It all changed when I took the oath of governor. I was born a fighter but became a fighter for you. It is in your best interests that I serve.Surprising FactCuomo and Rita Glavin, his personal attorney, were critical of the New York Attorney General Letitia Jam's investigation and many of its key claims that culminated in Cuomos resignation. Glavin gave a press conference just before Cuomos announcement in which she attacked multiple accusations, including Brittany Commisso's claim that the governor groped him at the executive mansion last summer. This is not a fair process. Glavin stated that the governor was not given any process.Important BackgroundAfter Letitia James, New York Attorney General, released her findings from her five-month investigation into Cuomo last Tuesday, the tides turned in favor of Cuomo. Cuomo had been previously accused of sexual harassment by several aides. However, this report supports allegations made by 11 women, including former and current staffers. They allege that Cuomo behaved inappropriately towards them through unwanted touching, comments and other actions. Cuomo denied any inappropriate sexual advances to any of the women but was still met with growing opposition and calls for his resignation. Cuomo was quickly impeached by the New York State Assembly. They planned to decide within the next few days whether to introduce impeachment articles.What to WatchCuomo is still facing legal problems. The aide who accused Cuomo of groping has filed an Albany Sheriffs office criminal complaint and another former staffer indicated that she plans to file a lawsuit. Cuomo was also the subject of criminal investigations by multiple New York district attorneys, including Westchester County, Manhattan and Albany County. Federal prosecutors are also investigating Cuomo's administration for handling coronavirus-linked nursing home deaths.Continue readingWho is Kathy Hochul, the Woman Replacing Cuomo as New York's Governor?Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Females In Violation of State and Federal Law, NY Attorney General finds (Forbes).
