New York State Governor, Democrat Andrew Cuomo, has "
sexually harassed several women,
" according to the findings of an independent judicial inquiry, New York State Attorney Letitia said Tuesday. James.
Read also: Sexual harassment: new accusation against Andrew Cuomo
"
The independent investigation concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed several women and in so doing violated federal and state law,
" said the prosecutor, adding that among the victims were '
Old and present
' state officials.
Unwanted gestures, kisses and hugs
The investigative report attributes Andrew Cuomo's inappropriate gestures, "
unwanted kisses and hugs
", and "
inappropriate comments
."
According to the findings of the investigation, the governor and his staff "
also took retaliatory measures against at least one employee for having testified,
" said a statement from the prosecutor's office.
“
Finally, the governor's executive team fostered a toxic work environment which made harassment and a hostile working atmosphere possible
,” adds the office.
Read also: In New York, the fall of Governor Andrew Cuomo
According to Letitia James, it is up to the governor himself to "
draw the conclusions
" from the investigation.
On her eventual resignation, she added that "
the decision rests with the governor of the State of New York
" and that "
the report speaks for itself
".
The governor, who denied the charges when they were made public, was heard at length by investigators on July 17.
Andrew Cuomo had gained popularity for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, of which New York had been the American epicenter in the spring of 2020, but accusations of harassment subsequently weakened him.