Daily US Times: On Monday, a collective of former New York state legislative employees denounced Governor Andrew Cuomo’s apology for his past behaviour, after he was accused of sexual harassment from multiple women, and called for his removal or resignation.
Members of the Sexual Harassment Working Group also said they expected more allegations against the governor to follow – and accused Cuomo of “gaslighting” his accusers.
Letitia James, the state attorney general, announced the first step in mounting an external investigation of Mr Cuomo’s behaviour.
The New York governor’s difficulties were further compounded on Monday night when a third woman went public claiming that he had made her deeply uncomfortable during an encounter at a 2019 wedding reception.
Anna Ruch, 33, told the New York Times that she had never met governor Cuomo before, yet he still put his hand on her bare back, clasped her head in his hands and said: “Can I kiss you?”
“I was so confused and shocked and embarrassed,” she told the newspaper.
“It’s the act of impunity that strikes me. I didn’t have a choice in his physical dominance over me at that moment. And that’s what infuriates me,” she told the newspaper.
The Times published a photograph accompanying its report which shows the governor looking down at Ruch with her head between his hands.
The photo was taken on Ruch’s own cellphone by a friend, according to the Times.
Cuomo, who himself a former US housing secretary and the son of a former governor, is one of America’s most prominent governors. But he have been facing difficulties as he is facing multiple sexual harassment allegation.
You may read: New York Governor Cuomo faces fresh claims of sexual harassment
