BUFFALO (WBEN) - On Tuesday morning, New York Attorney General Letitia James and other state officials released findings stemming from their investigation into sexual harassment allegations, and they found that Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women.
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State and local leaders have already began to react to the attorney general's report.
Mayor Byron Brown issued the following statement:
"The NYS Attorney General’s report on allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by Governor Cuomo is deeply troubling. Any act of harassment or intimidation - whether in the workplace or elsewhere - is unacceptable. The bravery of the women who came forward highlights the fact that sexual harassment continues to permeate the workplace and for many, diminishes the dignity, honor and joy of public service. For the good of our state, I urge Governor Cuomo to do the right thing and resign."
New York State Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand released the following joint statement:
“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate, and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories – and we commend the women for doing so. The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers, and created a hostile work environment. No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”
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Assemblymember Charles Lavine, chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:
"We are reviewing the Attorney General's extensive report documenting sexual harassment and misconduct committed by Governor Cuomo. The findings are extraordinarily disturbing. The details provided by the victims are repugnant. The report is being studied by the members of the Judiciary Committee and every member of the Assembly. We are engaged in an intensive analysis of the report and its exhibits with our Assembly counsels and with our independent counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell. This is a difficult day for the People of the State of New York. I am deeply impressed with the professionalism and dedication of Attorney General James and counsel Joon Kim and Anne Clark."
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Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner released the following statement:
“From the beginning, I have insisted that we await the end of the official investigation into Gov. Cuomo’s actions and act on the basis of the facts. Today, Attorney General James announced the end of that investigation and released those facts. She and her staff outlined a clear and deeply disturbing pattern of unlawful and inexcusable behavior. These findings transcend all political considerations. I was critical of Republicans when they ignored the truth in order to protect President Trump, and I will not hold myself to a different standard. I believe it is time for Gov. Cuomo to put the people of New York and integrity of his office ahead of his own interests. He should resign and allow the work of state government to move forward unburdened by the controversies that would inevitably follow him for the remainder of his term. I join AG James in her praise and support for all those who came forward to share their experiences in the service of justice and to speak truth to power. And I thank our Attorney General for her great leadership, integrity, and professionalism in this matter.”
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“Today is a sad and sobering day for all New Yorkers," said Ortt. "The Attorney General’s findings confirm and reinforce the allegations brought by the brave women who came forward against a powerful figure — that Andrew Cuomo is a serial harasser, unfit to hold public office. In the wake of another devastating report, now more than ever Andrew Cuomo must resign. If he fails to do so, the legislature must immediately reconvene to take action to remove him."
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State Senator Sean Ryan released the following statement:
“The report from the Attorney General's office outlines a pattern of disturbing behavior, including serious impropriety by the Governor and attempts by his office to silence accusers. I commend the women in the report for coming forward to tell all of us about what they had to endure. The report makes clear that the Governor is not fit for the office he holds, and he should step down immediately and allow Lieutenant Governor Hochul to assume the powers of the Office of Governor. If he refuses to do so, it is incumbent upon the Assembly and Senate to remove him from office. I thank the Attorney General and the independent investigators for their deliberate work to uncover the truth.”