Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, has filed a lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James, seeking access to documents related to the 2021 sexual harassment investigation that played a pivotal role in his resignation. The legal action, announced on Thursday, centers around Cuomo’s request for approximately 180 documents which he claims are crucial for his defense in two ongoing sexual harassment lawsuits.
Cuomo, who stepped down as governor in August 2021 amid the release of the investigation’s findings, asserts that the public deserves to know James’ complete rationale behind the decisions that led to the publication of the impactful report and ultimately his resignation. The report, conducted in response to allegations from multiple women, concluded that Cuomo had harassed at least 11 women, violating state and federal laws, as well as his own policies, between 2013 and 2020.
The comprehensive 165-page report involved interviews with 179 individuals and a review of over 74,000 pages of documents. It concluded that Cuomo’s alleged conduct was not just “old-fashioned, affectionate behavior” but constituted sexual harassment.
In his lawsuit, Cuomo strongly denies all allegations of sexual harassment and criticizes James’ report as “materially inaccurate, incomplete, biased, flawed, and misleading.” He emphasizes his vehement denial of having sexually harassed anyone, underscoring the importance of the witness statements related to the allegations for his defense.
During his resignation announcement, Cuomo expressed regret for any behavior perceived as inappropriate but continued to deny the sexual harassment allegations. He admitted to making jokes and being physically affectionate, characterizing his actions as endearing but outdated gestures that some found offensive.
Cuomo’s legal team argues that the documents sought are essential for a fair defense and for the public’s understanding of the investigation’s conduct and conclusions. The lawsuit points to James’ influence on the report and the subsequent impact on Cuomo’s political career.
The end of criminal investigations into Cuomo’s behavior saw no criminal charges filed, with prosecutors citing credible accusers but insufficient evidence for legal action.
James’ office has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, criticized James for allegedly concealing the documents, stating that court intervention is necessary to compel the Attorney General to adhere to legal standards.
This lawsuit marks the latest chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding the former New York Governor’s fall from grace and raises questions about transparency and accountability in political investigations.