NEW YORK (WBEN) — A former aide, who has accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, sat down for her first television interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Norah O'Donnell.
Charlotte Bennett, a former executive assistant and senior briefer to Cuomo, first told the New York Times that the governor asked her inappropriate questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men.
"She is speaking out for the first time to share her story and hope that it brings about some change," O'Donnell told CBS2's Mary Calvi. "It is a powerful interview and for the first time you're going to hear her describe in her own words exactly what Gov. Cuomo said to her. The shocking questions that he asked her about her sex life, he asked her about whether she had sex with older men, how he told her that he was lonely. This is the most detailed account we have heard to date from one of his accusers."
O'Donnell said Bennett opened up about about how she believes that Cuomo groomed her and provided details about the culture in the administration.
She also describes what happened after reporting the alleged harassment to the governor's chief of staff and special counsel.
O'Donnell said Bennett worked with Cuomo for several years and wants the truth to come out.
"She has spoken with other women who worked for Gov. Cuomo who had similar experiences," O'Donnell said. "She does say it's excruciating, she realizes this has now changed her life as well."
Another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, recently accused the governor of subjecting her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments.
A third woman claims the governor made an unwanted advance during a wedding reception in 2019, placing his hand on her bare lower back, grabbing her face and asking if he could kiss her.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday, in his first public remarks since the allegations surfaced, said he was "embarrassed" and apologized for his behavior, but told reporters that he intends to stay in office, despite growing calls for his resignation.
"I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it, and frankly, I am embarrassed by it," Cuomo said. "I'm sorry for whatever pain I caused anyone, I never intended it, and I will be the better for this experience."
