(Reuters) -Politicians and former aides responded to the news of the New York attorney general’s finding that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and violated federal and state laws while creating a “climate of fear” in the workplace.
Here are some of their statements and social media posts:
CHARLOTTE BENNETT, A FORMER CUOMO AIDE WHO MADE SOME OF THE ACCUSATIONS INVESTIGATED, ON TWITTER
“Resign, @NYGovCuomo.”
DEBRA KATZ, ATTORNEY FOR CHARLOTTE BENNETT, ON TWITTER
“Governor Cuomo must step down. These findings — which confirmed what our client Charlotte Bennett reported — are damning and are supported by extensive evidence. He repeatedly broke the law. He must go.”
ANA LISS, A FORMER CUOMO STAFFER WHO MADE SOME OF THE ACCUSATIONS INVESTIGATED, ON TWITTER
“Thank you, thank you to everyone who expressed support out loud and in whispers. For hugs and hand squeezes and texts. Thank you.”
GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO IN A VIDEO STATEMENT
“I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am and that is not who I have ever been.”
U.S. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER AND SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND, BOTH NEW YORK DEMOCRATS, IN A JOINT STATEMENT
“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”
NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO DURING NEWS BRIEFING ON TUESDAY, ACCORDING TO NEWSWEEK
“I’ve been very clear about the fact that what we’ve seen is disqualifying. I’ll look at this report and have more to say, but [it’s] very, very troubling and painful to hear that accounting of a powerful person treating people that way.”
NEW YORK REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE ON FACEBOOK
“Andrew Cuomo must resign immediately and face justice for his crimes.”
CARL HEASTIE, SPEAKER OF NEW YORK ASSEMBLY, IN A STATEMENT
“The details provided by the victims are gut-wrenching. Our hearts go out to all the individuals who have had to endure this horrible experience. The conduct by the Governor outlined in this report would indicate someone who is not fit for office.”
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMAN RON KIM, A DEMOCRAT WHO HAS BEEN CRITICAL OF CUOMO, ON TWITTER
“I have been asked for statements today but today is not about what I have to say. Today is about the brave women. We have much more work ahead but today brave women are heard loud and clear.”
NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER THOMAS DINAPOLI IN A STATEMENT
“This is a sad day for New York. The Attorney General’s report documents unacceptable workplace behavior in the Executive Chamber at the highest level of state leadership. The women who came forward are courageous, and they have been heard. As I stated months ago, the Governor should step down.”
DEMOCRATIC U.S. CONGRESSMEN TOM SUOZZI, HAKEEM JEFFRIES AND GREGORY MEEKS, ALL OF NEW YORK, IN A JOINT STATEMENT
“The investigation has found that the Governor engaged in abusive behavior toward women, including subordinates, created a hostile work environment and violated state and federal law. We commend the brave women who came forward and spoke truth to power. The time has come for Governor Andrew Cuomo to do the right thing for the people of New York State and resign.”
(Reporting by Brendan O’Brien in Chicago. Editing by Donna Bryson and Howard Goller)
