The DOJ reveals that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed more than a dozen female employees

The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported that the former Democratic governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, subjected more than a dozen female government employees to a “sexually hostile” work environment. The allegations include unwanted sexual contact, inappropriate comments and retaliation against those who complained.

According to a document shared by the DOJ this Friday, the department’s Civil Rights Division found in its investigation that began in August 2021 that the former governor harassed at least 13 of his employees.

The report also revealed that the State of New York Executive Chamber was aware of Cuomo’s conduct but did not effectively remedy the harassment on a systemic level. Additionally, Cuomo’s senior staff even retaliated against four women who complained.

“The Executive Chamber’s response was designed only to protect Cuomo from further accusations, rather than to protect employees from sexual harassment,” the DOJ denounces.

Reforms in the Executive Chamber

In the wake of the investigations against Cuomo, the government agency signed an agreement with current Governor Kathy Hochul to eradicate the culture of harassment and take action against those who facilitated Cuomo’s misconduct.

Among the reforms are the removal of employees who facilitated Cuomo’s misconduct, clear warnings about intolerance of sexual harassment, the creation of a specialized human resources department and the facilitating and diversifying the ways to report sexual harassment complaints for employees.

Despite denying allegations of sexual misconduct, Cuomo resigned in August 2021 following New York Attorney General Letitia James’ finding that 11 of the allegations against the former governor were credible. Since then, Cuomo, who has political ambitions, is facing two civil lawsuits, including one filed by Brittany Commisso, a former Cuomo adviser who alleges she was a victim of ongoing sexual harassment during her employment with the former governor between 2019 and 2021.

In his complaint, Commisso stated that she suffered “humiliating and demeaning tasks, hugs, kisses, sexual touching of the buttocks and forcible touching of the breast.”