Andrew Cuomo Avoids Questions on Sexual Harassment Allegations During Debate

Andrew Cuomo faced questions regarding his past sexual harassment allegations during a New York City mayoral debate on Wednesday night, yet he largely sidestepped the topic.

Michael Blake, a former state legislator from the Bronx, criticized Cuomo directly, saying, “Every woman watching tonight should listen now. Andrew Cuomo had the chance to address sexual harassment claims, yet he ignored them.” Blake emphasized the importance of the issue for women in the community, labeling Cuomo as a potential threat to public safety.

Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 following accusations of harassment from multiple women, with a report from New York Attorney General Leticia James confirming these claims from 2013 to 2020. Despite the allegations, no criminal charges have been made against him, as some district attorneys have pointed to a lack of evidence.

During the debate, Cuomo was given several opportunities to discuss the allegations but often redirected the conversation to other topics, particularly public safety. Nevertheless, he could not evade demands for accountability from both debate moderators and his opponents.

One moderator pressed him, asking, “Cuomo, what do you say to voters looking forward to your potential as mayor? How can they trust the same issues won’t arise again?”

In his defense, Cuomo argued that the allegations were politically motivated and untrue. “Let’s make sure there are facts,” he insisted, referring to reports from four years prior that dismissed the allegations as politically charged. He claimed that, overall, no substantial evidence was found to support the accusations.