Brittany Commisso, a former executive assistant to ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, has initiated legal action against him, alleging sexual assault during her tenure from 2019 to August 2021. In her lawsuit, filed under the provisions of the Adult Survivors Act just before its deadline, Commisso claims Cuomo subjected her to a series of inappropriate actions, including unwelcome physical contact.
Commisso expressed her outrage over Cuomo’s speculated political ambitions, particularly in light of recent sexual harassment allegations against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. She highlights the irony of Cuomo contemplating a mayoral run despite his alleged misconduct towards her and other victims. Her accusations against Cuomo include groping, which previously led to a criminal complaint against him.
The lawsuit details Commisso’s experiences after rejecting Cuomo’s alleged sexual advances in December 2020. She describes a subsequent pattern of retaliation, including her demotion by then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. This demotion, according to Commisso, involved less significant tasks and resulted in isolation from colleagues, loss of overtime pay, and limited career prospects.
The lawsuit also names the state and Cuomo’s special counsel, Judith Mogul, accusing them of complicity in Commisso’s mistreatment and demotion. Commisso’s legal action avails the temporary suspension of the statute of limitations provided by the Adult Survivors Act, allowing her to pursue this case despite the passage of time.
Cuomo, who resigned in August 2021 amidst various misconduct allegations, including from another female state trooper, has consistently denied these accusations. A separate lawsuit filed by another former assistant, Charlotte Bennett, is still pending, where Bennett repeats claims of Cuomo’s inappropriate behavior.
Cuomo’s legal fees, amounting to $20 million, are currently covered by the state, drawing criticism from various quarters. In response to Commisso’s lawsuit, Cuomo’s lawyer Rita Glavin labeled the suit as a pursuit of financial gain, asserting the falsity of Commisso’s claims and referencing the Albany District Attorney’s decision to drop the criminal case against Cuomo in 2022.
The governor’s office suggested that the inclusion of Hochul in the lawsuit might be erroneous, stating her lack of authority over personnel decisions in the Executive Chamber. Commisso’s legal team has not yet commented on this particular aspect of the lawsuit.