Daily US Times: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday apologize for his behavior after two women accused him of sexual harassment and another alleged an unwanted advance. The Governor said he did not know he was “making anyone feel uncomfortable.” He also rejects call to resign.

But Mr Cuomo flatly rejected calls for his resignation and urged New Yorkers to wait for the state attorney general to issue a report on the matter before forming an opinion on his alleged transgressions.

The pending inquiry could take months to complete and Governor Cuomo seized the news conference spotlight in an effort to push back against calls for him to immediately resign.

Mr Cuomo said in his first public remarks addressing the scandal: “I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never knew at the time that I was making anyone feel uncomfortable. I never knew at the time I was making anyone feel uncomfortable.”

Cuomo started his briefing speaking about coronavirus numbers in the state before acknowledging the elephant in the room and pivoting to a statement on the allegations.

He said he wants New Yorkers to hear from his directly on this.

”First, I fully support a woman’s right to come forward. And I think it should be encouraged in every way,” he said.

The New York Governor repeatedly urged New Yorkers to withhold judgment on his alleged actions until an investigation, to be overseen by Attorney General Letitia James, delivered a full report.

That position largely reflects the posture of leading Democrats of the state, including US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who have called for James’ independent inquiry but stopped short of weighing in on Cuomo’s ultimate fate.

You may read: Cuomo faces new calls to resign as harassment investigation looms