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US Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sunday said he has “full faith” in the state attorney general’s investigation into the sexual-harassment allegations against embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo — although he refused to say whether the governor should resign.
Schumer’s comments came after two more Cuomo accusers stepped forward Saturday.
“The allegations of each of the women have to be taken seriously,” the Senate majority leader (D-NY) said of the now five women accusing Cuomo of harassment.
“They’re deeply troubling,” Schumer said of the accusations. “Women have to be listened to. I’ve long believed this, I’ve said this for a very long time, that sexual harassment is never acceptable, can never be tolerated.”
New York state Attorney General Letitia James said last week she was launching an independent probe into the allegations surrounding the governor.
“The investigation of these women’s allegations – as I said, they’re serious – they’re being investigated in the very capable hands of the New York State attorney general,” Schumer said during an announcement of how New York will benefit from the COVID relief-bill funds.
“I called for that type of independent investigation, and she is doing it. I have a lot of faith in her. I believe that she will turn over every stone, and I believe that she will make sure there is no outside interference – political or otherwise.”
But he wouldn’t say whether Cuomo should resign.
“I have full faith in the attorney general’s investigation,” Schumer would only say.
In the latest round of accusations, Karen Hinton, a former gubernatorial press aide, told the Washington Post that she struggled to free herself from the governor’s constant hugging in a dimly lit Los Angeles hotel room in December 2000.
And Ana Liss, who worked for the governor from 2013 to 2015, said Cuomo’s behavior left her feeling like “just a skirt,” the Wall Street Journal reported.
Liss and Hinton bring the number of Cuomo accusers to five, joining Charlotte Bennett, 25, Lindsey Boylan, 36, and Anna Ruch, 33.
The governor’s office denied Hinton’s claim, saying it “did not happen.”
Liss’s claims that he kissed her hand and touched her lower back are just a reflection of the usual behavior at public receptions, Cuomo’s camp added.
“Reporters and photographers have covered the governor for 14 years watching him kiss men and women and posing for pictures,” said Rich Azzopardi.
The growing scandal has prompted calls for Cuomo to step down.
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