Albany – Dime is up.
Andrew Cuomo, facing accusations of sexual harassment, will see New York’s State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli cut off funding from the former governor’s taxpayer-funded legal defense after a disappointing mayoral primary performance.
Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 and has been alleged to have harassed numerous women, has reportedly received around $60 million from taxpayers to combat the fallout from various scandals that have affected his administration.
This situation reflects the financial scrutiny regarding a three-term Democratic governor who has actively defended himself against sexual harassment claims.
“Survivors and whistleblowers shouldn’t have to fear entering the legal system just to share their truth,” said Erika Vladimer, director of harassment-free Albany.
Vladimer spoke on a Zoom call alongside former state staff members, including Charlotte Bennett, who accused Cuomo of harassment. Bennett described the past experiences as “unbearable,” expressing concern that any joy over the primary’s outcome could be overshadowed by personal turmoil.
Cuomo had recently filed an updated notice of claims, indicating his intention to pursue a defamation lawsuit against Bennett. “I just don’t think I could have responded to his story,” she remarked, reflecting an air of uncertainty.
Although Cuomo has denied the allegations, he has criticized Bennett, particularly after she dropped a federal lawsuit against him late last year.
Bennett, along with other accusers, has urged DiNapoli to pay closer attention to the legal fees Cuomo is claiming for reimbursements. They have also called on legislators to support laws intended to protect survivors from aggressive legal tactics.
A spokesperson for Cuomo, who blamed Mamdani for losing the primary, insisted that these accusations are “false.” “Everyone has the right to defend themselves against false claims, which I hope Erica acknowledges,” stated Rich Azopaldi, a Cuomo spokesman.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for DiNapoli chose not to comment on the matter.
