Cuomo blasted for response to sexual harassment allegations during mayoral debate

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced tough questions during a recent New York City mayoral debate regarding the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation in 2021. Cuomo, who is now running for mayor, dodged inquiries from his opponents and moderators, insisting that the accusations against him were false.

During the debate, former state assemblyman Michael Blake called out Cuomo for his refusal to address the allegations, stating that every woman watching deserved to hear his response. Cuomo has been accused of multiple incidents of sexual harassment, with a report from New York Attorney General Letitia James confirming that he “sexually harassed multiple women from 2013 through 2020.”

Despite the allegations, Cuomo has not faced criminal charges, with some district attorneys citing insufficient evidence. However, the U.S. Department of Justice reached a nearly $500,000 settlement with Cuomo’s executive office over one of the claims in January 2024.

Cuomo’s opponents pressed him to address the allegations during the debate, but he repeatedly deflected the questions by focusing on other issues, such as public safety. Blake criticized Cuomo for not providing a clear response, stating that the women of New York City were not safe with him in power.

When directly asked about the allegations and how he would prevent similar situations in the future, Cuomo maintained that the accusations were politically motivated and untrue. He pointed out that multiple district attorneys had found no evidence against him and that he had been dropped from one of the cases. Cuomo also apologized if he had unintentionally offended anyone.

The debate highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding Cuomo and raised questions about his fitness to serve as mayor. Despite the allegations and scrutiny, Cuomo remains a frontrunner in the race, with his opponents and the public closely watching his responses to the accusations.

As the mayoral race heats up, Cuomo’s handling of the sexual harassment allegations will continue to be a significant issue for voters and could impact his chances of winning the election. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.