De Blasio Supports 'Independent' Investigation Into Cuomo

New York City NY

25 February, 2021

3:29 PM

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NEW YORK CITY — A "disturbing" sexual harassment accusation against Gov. Andrew Cuomo needs to be investigated, Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "We need a full and independent investigation," de Blasio said Thursday. "I want to emphasize the word 'independent' ... investigation by some individual or entity that is not compromised, is not something that is dominated by the governor's office, but an independent investigation." De Blasio's call for a probe wasn't just a twist of the knife into his long-time political rival — it's part of a growing chorus after former Cuomo aide and current Manhattan borough president candidate Lindsey Boylan detailed her accusations against the governor in a Medium essay. Cuomo gave Boylan an unwanted kiss, made a crude remark about strip poker and overall created an uncomfortable atmosphere, she wrote. "Andrew Cuomo abused his power as Governor to sexually harass me, just as he had done with so many other women," she wrote. Cuomo, through statements by spokespeople and other officials, denied the accusations and tried to cast doubt on the credibility of certain details. But the essay's publication Wednesday still compounded Cuomo's growing political problems. Cuomo's administration not only faces accusations it covered up COVID-19 deaths of nursing home residents — a charge he has forcefully denied — but the governor himself is under scrutiny for his aggressive, if not bullying, behavior. And many of Cuomo's political allies have taken a step back from defending him. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki, when asked if a recent meeting with Cuomo on the coronavirus response could turn into a distraction, said the accusations need to be heard. "The president has been consistent in his position: when a person comes forward they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," she said. "Their voice should be heard, not silenced and any allegation should be reviewed." Many of Cuomo's political foes have gleefully piled on. GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in a statement called Cuomo a "criminal sexual predator" who should resign — although a Cuomo spokesperson was quick to retweet a reporter's musing about her stance on credible sexual assault accusations against Donald Trump. The fallout moved beyond politics. Actress Rose McGowan, whose accusations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein helped fuel the "Me Too" movement, told Fox News that Cuomo should be investigated.