Despite Impeachment Inquiry, Cuomo Said He Won't Resign

LONG ISLAND, NY — Social media exploded with speculation about whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo would resign during a news briefing Friday — but Cuomo said he will not step down despite accusations involving sexual harassment and the nursing home death controversy.

A total of six women have said Cuomo harassed them, and the New York State Assembly opened an impeachment inquiry against Cuomo on Thursday.

Cuomo spoke out about the accusations Friday: "I did not do what has been alleged. Period," he said. "I won't speculate about people's possible motives, but I can tell you as a former attorney general who has gone through this situation many times there are often many motivations."

Cuomo said politicians and the public should wait for the facts after the two ongoing reviews, including one by Attorney General Letitia James, are complete. "There are facts and there are opinions. Politicians who don't know a single fact but form a conclusion are, in my opinion, reckless."

When asked if, since Cuomo has said he has never touched anyone inappropriately, there had been a "misunderstanding" and if there had been "consensual touching in one or more of the allegations," Cuomo said: "I never harassed anyone. I never abused anyone. I never assaulted anyone — and I never would."

Cuomo reminded that he had already apologized if, when taking a photo with someone, he had made them feel uncomfortable and said he'd never meant to make anyone feel that way.

When asked if he could still lead in the midst of allegations and an impeachment inquiry, Cuomo said he would continue to do his job and wait for the facts, and said he would not debate the accusations in the media.

When asked again whether any of those who had accused him had been engaged in a consensual relationship with him, Cuomo said: "What is being alleged simply did not happen."

This week, a sixth accusation of sexual harassment was reported by the Albany Times Union. Cuomo, the post said, was accused of having "aggressively groped" the woman, who was not named, after she was reportedly called to the Executive Mansion to help him with a cell phone and he "closed the door and allegedly reached under her blouse and began to fondle her," according to a source who was said to have had "direct knowledge" of the woman's claims.

"The last allegation is not true," Cuomo said. "I have not had a sexual relationship that was inappropriate. Period."

Cuomo denied the accusation in a statement, the Albany Times Union said: "I have never done anything like this," he said. "The details of this report are gut-wrenching."

Cuomo said he will continue to focus on doing his job with the budget and vaccinations looming and said he was elected by the people, not politicians.

"I don't think there is a person in a better position to help the state get through this period, with the experience I can bring to it," Cuomo said.

On Thursday, more than 55 New York Democrat lawmakers called for Cuomo's resignation and for Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul to step in. "It is time for Governor Cuomo to resign," they said in a statement.

Lawmakers continued to slam Cuomo Friday. "Andrew Cuomo has abused the power and privilege entrusted to him by the people of New York, and his most recent remarks could not make this more clear," Rep. Lee Zeldin said. "His continued attempts to discredit the individuals who have come forward, question their ‘motives’ and more underscore just how far he’ll go to dodge any and all responsibility. His actions are inexcusable and unforgivable, and it’s up to each and every New Yorker — legislators, the media and voters — to hold him accountable.”