Charlotte Bennett, previously an executive assistant and health policy adviser in the Democratic governor’s administration, recounted an incident that allegedly occurred on June 5, in which she was alone with Cuomo in his office in Albany. Ms. Bennett alleges that Cuomo asked her questions about her sex life, whether she had monogamous relationships and if she ever had sex with older men.
The 25-year-old, according to the (New York) Times, said the Democratic governor had asked her a series of personal questions, including stating that he was open to relationships with women in their 20s, which Bennett interpreted as clear overtures to a sexual relationship.
Cuomo has asked the state’s attorney general and chief appeals court judge to jointly appoint an independent lawyer to investigate the claims. Cuomo asks state AG, top judge, to launch harassment probe (apnews.com)
In a statement on Saturday, Cuomo denied the allegations saying he believed he had been acting as a mentor and had “never made advances toward Ms. Bennett, nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate.”
Cuomo said he had requested an “outside review” of the matter and asked that New Yorkers await the findings “before making any judgments.”
Prior to Ms. Bennett, another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, also accused the Democratic governor of inappropriate behavior. My story of working with Governor Cuomo | by Lindsey Boylan | Feb, 2021 | Medium
New York Times: Second former aide accuses Cuomo of sexual harassment – CNNPolitics
Good Morning America – YouTube
Update:
Attorney General Letitia James rejected two proposals by the governor for an investigation of his conduct. This was in response of his request for an outside review/investigation.
The crisis enveloping Gov. Andrew Cuomo deepened Sunday as the state’s attorney general demanded he grant her the authority to investigate claims he sexually harassed at least two women who worked for him.
“I do not accept the governor’s proposal,” she said. “The state’s Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral. While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law. The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted.”
Crisis deepens for Cuomo; AG wants to lead harassment probe (msn.com)