New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned Tuesday amid intense pressure stemming from an ugly sexual misconduct scandal.
“I’m a New Yorker, born and bred. I’m a fighter, and my instinct is to fight through this controversy because I truly believe it is politically motivated, I believe it is unfair, and it is untruthful,” a defiant Cuomo said during a press conference to announce his decision. “I believe it demonizes behavior that is unsustainable for society. New York tough means New York-loving, and I love New York, and I love you. So I would never want to be unhelpful in any way.”
The Democratic governor, whose resignation takes effect in 14 days, now must deal with the fallout from accusations made by several women who said he behaved inappropriately.
After New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation found that Cuomo betrayed his position by forcibly kissing and touching women and making lewd propositions, state lawmakers began looking at impeaching the governor.
The attorney general’s findings concluded that Cuomo “sexually harassed multiple women and violated state law.”
Cuomo continues to deny the allegations but said Tuesday he had apologized to those he “truly offended.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions … I’ve been too familiar with people,” he said, reiterating that he has hugged and kissed many people — both men and women — but only in a casual manner.
“I have done it all my life. It’s who I have been since I can remember,” Cuomo said. “In my mind, I have never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate — and I should have. No excuses.”
