Governor Andrew Cuomo Half-Heartedly Apologizes Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal, Announces He's 'Stepping Aside'
Andrew Cuomo has announced his resignation as governor of New York.
After refusing to step aside despite months of ongoing sexual harassment allegations, the 63-year-old politician has decided to hand in his walking papers.
Cuomo made the announcement on Tuesday, August 10, where he revealed that he would be stepping down to "let the government get back to governing."
The announcement comes not long after top Democrats — including President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi —publically urged the New York governor to resign amid the ongoing scandal.
The Democratic governor used the press conference as an opportunity to dole out a lukewarm apology for his actions, saying "I deeply, deeply apologize," while still deeming the allegations as false.
Attorney General Latitia James' explosive report last week stated that Cuomo had harassed 11 women, most of whom worked for him at some point.
Cuomo still maintained that the allegations were not true in Tuesday's press conference.
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"In my mind, I've never crossed a line with anyone, but I didn't realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn," he said while addressing the claims against him. "There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn't fully appreciate, and I should have. No excuses."
While he still maintained his innocence, Cuomo hinted that he was looking for the best course of action that would prevent the state government from "wasting energy on distractions."
"This situation, by its current trajectory, will generate months of political and legal controversy. That is what is going to happen," he noted. "That is how the political wind is blowing."
"It will consume government. It will cost millions of tax-payer dollars. It will brutalize people," he continued, minutes before officially announcing his resignation.
He eventually explained that while he wanted to continue his fight, resigning would be the most fair option to the people of New York.
"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing. And therefore that's what I'll do," Cuomo said. "Because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you."
Cuomo revealed that his resignation will be effective in 14 days.
Kathy Hochul will take his place as governor of New York state, making the first woman to serve as governor.
