NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday voiced concerns about the state attorney general's investigation looking into allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct that have been brought against him by numerous women.
In his first public appearance since reportedly being interviewed by investigators, Cuomo cast doubt on the integrity of Attorney General Letitia James' ongoing probe.
"Is this all happening in a political system? Yes, that is undeniable," Cuomo told reporters during a news conference at Yankee Stadium on Monday.
The governor himself authorized the investigation in February, at the time saying he trusted James.
He now says he has concerns about the independence of the reviewers — former Acting U.S Attorney Joon Kim and employment discrimination attorney Anne Clark, who were hired by James in March to lead the inquiry and will release their findings in a public report.
"Go to Google. Google the independent reviewers and tell me what you see," Cuomo said, without going into detail about his concerns. "I know New Yorkers, they are not naïve, they know what's going on. They know what these reviews entail and who's involved."
He further said that he is "eager for the truth to come out," adding, "New Yorkers will be shocked."
"I'm very eager to get the facts to the people of this state," the governor told reporters.
The governor is also taking a victory lap based on the recent announcement that the Justice Department has closed a Trump era investigation into New York's nursing home policies.
"The political environment has gotten so toxic," Cuomo said.
An impeachment investigation by the state Assembly remains ongoing.
That probe is not limited to the sexual harassment allegations, but is also looking into the administration's alleged cover-up of COVID-19 nursing home deaths and Cuomo's pandemic book deal.
Cuomo did not raise the same concerns about the Assembly probe saying, “The Assembly investigation is broader and has a broader mandate and is independent,” Cuomo said.
The attorney general's probe is not a criminal inquiry but it could have significant influence on the impeachment inquiry, which could result in Cuomo's removal from office, the Associated Press reported.
Several women, including former aides, have accused Cuomo of unwanted kisses, touches and groping and inappropriate sexual remarks.
The governor has denied any wrongdoing after initially apologizing for his behavior.