Andrew Cuomo unwanted sexual advances accuser speaks as examination accelerate

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Andrew Cuomo sexual harassment accuser speaks as investigation speeds up

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One of the 2 females who have actually implicated New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of unwanted sexual advances blasted his “predatory behavior” on Monday, and gotten in touch with other females to come forward if they have comparable problems about him.

Charlotte Bennett’s demand came as New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that Cuomo’s workplace had actually officially asked for an independent examination of the accusations by Bennett and another previous assistant, Lindsey Boylan.

“For anyone who needs to hear this, know I am holding space for you, too,” Bennett stated in a declaration. “To the Governor’s survivors: I am here. Lindsey is here.”

“You do not have to say a single word. But if you choose to speak your truth, we will be standing with you. I promise.” 

Bennett has actually maintained a leading work discrimination attorney, Debra Katz, who in her own declaration stated that Bennett “will cooperate fully with the Attorney General’s investigation.”

“We are confident that no disinterested investigator who reviews this evidence would adopt the Governor’s self-serving characterization of his behavior as mentorship or, at worst, unwanted flirtation,” Katz stated. “He was not acting as a mentor and his remarks were not misunderstood by Ms. Bennett.”

“He was abusing his power over her for sex. This is textbook sexual harassment.”

James, in a declaration about her authority over the probe, stated, “This is not a responsibility we take lightly as allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously.”

Bennett, in her declaration, stated Cuomo “has refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for his predatory behavior.”

“As we know, abusers – particularly those with tremendous amounts of power – are often repeat offenders who engage in manipulative tactics to diminish allegations, blame victims, deny wrongdoing and escape consequences,” she stated.

Bennett kept in mind that “it took the Governor 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation” after she went public with her accusations Saturday in a New York Times post.

“These are not the actions of someone who simply feels misunderstood; they are the actions of an individual who wields his power to avoid justice,” Bennett stated.

Cuomo over the weekend initially recommended the accusations by Bennett and Boylan be examined by a previous federal judge who formerly dealt with the guv’s leading consultant.

Cuomo then rotated, with his workplace recommending that James and Chief Judge Judith Kaye, who heads the state’s greatest court, collectively manage the probe.

James declined to share oversight. And the guv’s workplace, handling a growing political reaction to both the accusations and his machinations looking for to manage the examination, accepted ask the chief law officer to deal with the probe.

Bennett stated that in stepping forward with her account “I fully expected to be attacked by those who reflexively question the honesty or motivation of those who report sexual harassment. I am not deterred by these voices.”

She likewise stated that, “Coming forward was an excruciating decision. I decided to share my story because I had faith that I would be supported and believed. This is often not the case.”

“Sharing my experience was only possible because of past survivors who stood up and told their stories. I hope that my story helps other survivors feel like they can stand in their truth.”

CNBC has actually asked for remark from Cuomo’s workplace.

A recommendation letter by Cuomo’s workplace to James on Monday approved her demand to have the claims by Bennett and Boylan be examined by a personal lawyer or lawyers deputized by the chief law officer.

The letter from Cuomo’s unique counsel, Beth Garvey, stated that the findings of that examination “will be disclosed in a public report.”

The letter likewise stated that “due to the nature of this review” the guv’s workplace will not authorize or be sent out weekly reports which are typically anticipated under the state law licensing the chief law officer to deputize outdoors attorneys for such a probe.

“All New York State employees have been directed to cooperate fully with this review,” Garvey composed in the letter, which James launched.

“I will serve as point of contact for any witness interviews or document production for the Executive Chamber and will connect you with appropriate counsel in any other agency or entity for any documents or witnesses necessary for the review,” Garvey composed.

Bennett, 25, informed the Times in a short article released Saturday that the 63-year-old Cuomo had actually asked her concerns consisting of whether she “had ever been with an older man,” whether she was monogamous in her relationships and other individual concerns that made her feel uneasy.

Boylan has actually stated that Cuomo when kissed her without her approval, and jokingly recommended playing strip poker on a main flight.

Cuomo has actually rejected the 36-year-old Boylan’s claims.

But in a declaration launched Saturday, the guv did not conflict Bennett’s claims of what he had actually stated.

“I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends,” Cuomo stated that day. 

“At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way,” the guv stated.

“I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.”

Cuomo likewise stated, “To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.”