NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — In the aftermath of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announced resignation Tuesday, attorney Mariann Wang said her two clients — who accused the now-outgoing governor of sexual harassment— felt "vindicated and relieved that Cuomo will no longer be in a position of power over anyone."
"[Alyssa McGrath and Virginia Limmiatis] remain grateful that their voices and experiences were heard and substantiated by [state Attorney General Letitia James'] investigators, and feel solidarity with all women who continue to be abused by men in power," Wang said. "At least today, one of them has faced some consequences."
James' independent report included claims made by McGrath that Cuomo made inappropriate and suggestive comments, including making a remark on the executive assistant's neckline. Limmiatis, an energy company employee, accused Cuomo of running his fingers on the lettering of the chest of her shirt in 2017.
Cuomo's announcement also drew comments from New York State Troopers Union President Thomas Mungeer who praised the female state trooper who came forward to accuse Cuomo of placing "his finger on the top of her neck and ran his finger down the center of her spine midway down her back."
"We commend our Trooper for having the courage to come forward and reveal the sexual harassment that she endured," Mungeer said.
Debra Katz, an attorney for former aide Charlotte Bennett, also heralded James' investigators, and criticized Cuomo's continued attacks on her client's character.
"We are deeply appreciative of their [investigators] unimpeachable work," Katz said. "And we are sickened by the Governor’s baseless attacks against them. The Governor’s decision to resign is not the end of our reckoning with sexual harassment, but it is an important step in the right direction."
Former aide Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to accuse Cuomo of sexual misconduct, also thanked James and commended the other woman who came forward.
"I am in awe of the strength of the other women who risked everything to come forward," she said. "My hope always has been that this will make it safer for other women to report their own harassment and abuse. I will continue the fight to make that happen."
Although Cuomo continued to deny the accusations made, he apologized Tuesday and said he took responsibility for his actions.
"I have been too familiar with people. My sense of humor can be insensitive and off-putting," Cuomo said. "I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I have done it all my life. 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."