NY governor resigns over sexual harassment claims

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday after facing an onslaught of sexual harassment allegations from 11 women. It was a stunning fall from power for the once widely popular politician.

Cuomo, a three-term Democrat in office since 2011, held a 20-minute televised news conference on Tuesday, saying he had not meant any disrespect toward any of the women who had come forward to accuse him.

Instead, the 63-year-old blamed "politically motivated "attacks as the reason for the allegations against him, adding that his instinct was to fight but he did not want to see a drawn-out investigation paralyze state government and cost taxpayers millions of dollars amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The New York State Assembly in Albany had been ready to move forward with discussions on impeachment.

"I think, given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government, and therefore that's what I'll do," Cuomo said.

Cuomo's resignation will take effect in two weeks. His deputy, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, will succeed him, becoming the first female governor of the state.

"I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers," wrote Hochul in a tweet following Cuomo's resignation. "As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State's 57th Governor."

The governor's fall from grace came just a week after New York Attorney General Letitia James presented a 165-page report with detailed sexual harassment allegations against him by 11 women who were former and current employees, including a state trooper. The report also alleged that he and his staff retaliated against at least one woman who had accused him of sexual misconduct.

The noncriminal investigation took five months to complete and was conducted by two external lawyers for impartiality.

"Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of federal and state laws," said James of the report.

Criminal charges

He could now face criminal charges over the sexual assault allegations.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio praised Cuomo's accusers for their bravery.

"Make no mistake, this is the result of survivors bravely telling their stories," he said in a statement.

The allegations against Cuomo first surfaced in December as the state battled the COVID-19 pandemic. It also emerged around the same time that his staff might have covered up thousands of deaths of elderly people in nursing homes amid the pandemic.

Cuomo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior with the women.

"In my mind, I've never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn't realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn," he said during his resignation speech on Tuesday.

He apologized for "offending "the 11 women.