In His Final Address, Andrew Cuomo Attacked The Investigation That Led Him To Resign

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Andrew Cuomo will resign as the governor of New York at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, August 23.

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Andrew Cuomo To Resign After Investigation Finds He Sexually Harassed Multiple Women

In his speech, Cuomo said that while he believes everyone should have the right to speak out when it comes to allegations involving sexual harassment and assault, all claims should be examined closely.

«Of course, everyone has a right to come forward and we applaud their bravery and courage in doing so. But allegations must still be scrutinized and verified, whether made by a woman or a man. That is our basic justice system, Cuomo said.

Cuomo had been facing growing calls to resign

Cuomo’s sudden departure from office represents a whirlwind turn of events from just over a year ago, when he was enjoying widespread praise within the Democratic Party for his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But in the aftermath of the attorney general’s report, the drumbeat of calls for the governor’s resignation ultimately proved insurmountable. In a scathing 165-page report released earlier this month, the attorney general’s office concluded that the the third-term Democrat sexually harassed 11 women, and in one instance, sought to retaliate against one of his accusers who went public with her allegations.

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What’s Next For New York After Cuomo’s Resignation?

The report followed a months-long investigation into the governor’s actions and outlined what James called violations of both state and federal law.

Prosecutors said their findings substantiated allegations from several women — which included unwanted and nonconsensual touching, groping, kissing and sexual comments.

Kathy Hochul steps in as the state’s first woman governor

Cuomo will leave office at 11:59 p.m. Monday. His successor, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, will be sworn in during a private ceremony at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday as the state’s first woman governor.

Hochul, who served one term in Congress before being chosen by Cuomo to be his running mate in 2014, said in a statement she agreed with the governor’s decision to step down.

Kathy Hochul Is Set To Become New York’s First Female Governor

«It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers, she said. «As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York state’s 57th governor.