The U.S. Justice Department concurred on Friday with the New York attorney general’s determination that former Governor Andrew Cuomo violated federal law by sexually harassing female staffers and retaliating against those who spoke up. This agreement between federal authorities and the state’s Executive Chamber was reached following a thorough examination of Cuomo’s actions.
Settlement Agreement and Reforms
The federal agency endorsed a settlement with the New York Executive Chamber, endorsing the reforms initiated by Cuomo’s successor, Kathy Hochul, to prevent and address such misconduct. Hochul’s measures included the termination of employees involved in facilitating or supporting retaliation against Cuomo’s accusers, the establishment of a human resources department, and the creation of additional channels for reporting instances of sexual harassment.
Expanded Reforms and Legal Actions
The Justice Department settlement expands upon Hochul’s reforms, mandating an enlargement of the human resources department, introducing new avenues for reporting and resolving complaints involving high-ranking officials, and implementing enhanced training and anti-retaliation initiatives.
In response to the announcement, Cuomo’s attorney, Rita Glavin, reiterated Cuomo’s denial of the allegations, criticizing the Justice Department’s investigation as solely reliant on the state attorney general’s report, which Glavin deemed biased and inaccurate.
Background and Conclusion
This development concludes an investigation initiated in August 2021, prompted by findings from New York’s Democratic attorney general, which revealed Cuomo’s inappropriate behavior toward 11 women and subsequent retaliatory actions against the first accuser to come forward. Cuomo resigned from his gubernatorial position under pressure from various quarters, including President Joe Biden.
In 2023, one of Cuomo’s aides filed a civil lawsuit alleging ongoing sexual harassment, which began in December 2019. Despite earlier criminal complaints, only one proceeded to the prosecutor’s office, which ultimately did not pursue charges due to insufficient evidence.
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