A third individual has stepped forward with allegations of unwanted advances against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as reported by The New York Times. This comes as pressure mounts on Cuomo following similar claims from two other women.
Anna Ruch’s Experience
Anna Ruch recounted her experience with Cuomo at a wedding in New York in 2019. After expressing gratitude for a toast he made, Cuomo allegedly placed his hand on her bare lower back. When she moved to remove it, he reportedly grabbed her cheeks and called her “aggressive,” before asking if he could kiss her. Ruch described feeling confused and embarrassed, stating, “I turned my head away and didn’t have words in that moment.” She expressed outrage over the sense of powerlessness she felt during the encounter, emphasizing the lack of choice she had in the situation.
Cuomo’s Scrutiny
Cuomo is already facing scrutiny over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine distribution, along with accusations of underreporting nursing home deaths. The combination of these serious allegations raises significant questions regarding his leadership.
Other Allegations
Charlotte Bennett, a 25-year-old former aide, also alleged that Cuomo discussed his openness to dating younger women, while Lindsey Boylan accused him of unwanted advances, including a kiss in his office in 2018. Boylan detailed her experiences in a Medium essay, which included claims that Cuomo suggested they play strip poker on a government flight and made comments comparing her to others.
Investigation and Responses
The latest allegation by Ruch coincided with Attorney General Letitia James announcing an independent investigation into the governor’s actions. A spokesperson for Cuomo referred to a broader statement in which he apologized for behavior that may have been “misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation.” He has denied the first two allegations.
Bennett expressed her discomfort during the interaction, saying, “I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me,” and described feeling scared. Calls for Cuomo’s resignation have emerged from various political figures, including Rep. Elise Stefanik and State Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, who emphasized the importance of taking all sexual harassment claims seriously.
Further Reading
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Summary
A third woman has accused New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, joining two others in making similar allegations. As scrutiny intensifies over his management of the pandemic and these new claims, calls for his resignation are growing. This situation has sparked a broader conversation about sexual harassment, power dynamics, and the need for accountability in leadership roles.
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