Topline
Charlotte Bennett, a former aide to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the second woman to go public with accusations of sexual harassment against the politician, filed a federal lawsuit against the former governor as well as three of his top aides on Wednesday, alleging that Cuomo made unwanted sexual advances toward her and sought retaliation after she reported his conduct.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a daily media briefing.
Key Facts
Bennett, who is seeking unspecified damages, said she experienced “near-debilitating anxiety” and depression and was forced to resign because of a toxic work environment, according to the suit, which also named Melissa DeRosa, the former secretary to the governor, Jill DesRosiers, Cuomo’s former chief of staff and former special counsel Judith Mogul.
Bennett, who first publicly accused Cuomo of sexual harassment in a New York Times report in 2021 and whose allegations were included in a probe carried out by New York Attorney General Letitia James into Cuomo’s behavior, said in a statement her career in public service was “abruptly cut short because of Governor Cuomo’s and his top aides’ sexual harassment and retaliation against me.”
A representative for Cuomo did not respond to a request for comment from Forbes, but his attorney Rita Glavin told the Associated Press Cuomo has “always said he didn’t harass anyone” and claiming that as time goes on “more and more information is uncovered” showing evidence supporting the governor’s innocence was ignored, adding, “We’ll see them in court.”
Bennett has alleged Cuomo asked her inappropriate questions about her sex life and told her he was “lonely,” asking if she would consider having sex with an older man, among other allegations.
Key Background
Cuomo, a Democrat, resigned in August 2021 after serving three terms in office, a week after James released a report including allegations from Bennett and several other women that concluded Cuomo had sexually harassed at least 11 women, including Bennett and other former and current employees. The report concluded the women were subjected to non-consensual kissing, touches and inappropriate comments about their appearances and personal lives. Cuomo’s resignation followed calls from several members of his own party, including President Joe Biden, for him to leave office. Cuomo has at times attempted to paint allegations of sexual harassment as generational differences. He denied making sexual advances toward Bennett, claiming she misinterpreted their conversations. Since his resignation, Cuomo has attempted to undermine many of the women who have accused him of misconduct.
Contra
Cuomo filed a complaint this week accusing James and the independent attorneys hired to carry out an investigation of his behavior of ignoring evidence supporting his claims.
Further Reading
Charlotte Bennett Sues Cuomo Over Sexual Harassment Accusations (New York Times)
Ex-Aide Who Alleged Sexual Harassment Sues Andrew Cuomo (Associated Press)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/madelinehalpert/2022/09/14/cuomo-aide-files-federal-sexual-harassment-suit-against-him/