Andrew Cuomo says he 'never touched anyone inappropriately'

Cuomo: I never touched anyone inappropriately 1:40

(CNN) -

New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo apologized Wednesday for his behavior toward several women who accused him of making unwelcome advances, but denied touching anyone "inappropriately" and rejected calls to resign.

Andrew Cuomo spoke at a news conference in Albany and urged New Yorkers to wait for the attorney general's investigation into the allegations to proceed before forming an opinion on the matter.

"I never touched anyone inappropriately.

I never touched anyone inappropriately.

I never knew at the time that I was making someone uncomfortable.

I never knew at the time that I was making someone uncomfortable, "he said.

Cuomo began his briefing by talking about the covid-19 numbers in the state and did not address the allegations until the end of the briefing.

“I want New Yorkers to hear directly from me on this issue.

First, I fully support a woman's right to come forward.

And I think it should be encouraged in every way, "he said.

“Now I understand that I acted in a way that made people uncomfortable.

It was not intentional and I sincerely and deeply apologize for it.

I feel really bad about it and frankly I'm ashamed of it, and it's not easy to say, but that's the truth.

He continued: “I never intended to offend anyone or hurt anyone or cause anyone pain.

That's the last thing I want to do.

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A political storm continues to swirl around Cuomo amid two allegations of sexual harassment against him.

A third woman on Monday accused Cuomo of unwanted advances in 2019, according to The New York Times, adding to the escalation of the crisis facing the governor and which has unleashed a torrent of criticism and new calls for him to resign.