U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Jan. 7, 2021.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Monday (March 1) that sexual harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are “credible” and supports an independent investigation of Cuomo.
Pelosi said in a statement that the two women who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment and misconduct should be taken seriously, according to The Hill.
“The (two) women (with) serious and credible allegations against Gov. Cuomo deserve to be heard and treated with dignity. Independent investigations must have due process and respect for everyone involved.” Pelosi said in a statement.
Cuomo has been accused by two former employees of making uncomfortable comments to them and implying a desire for a sexual relationship. One of the accusers said Cuomo kissed her without consent.
Pelosi joins a number of New York state federal lawmakers who called for an investigation of Cuomo just this past weekend.
“These allegations are serious and deeply troubling.” New York State Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D) said Sunday (Feb. 28). Democratic U.S. Representatives Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) and Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) have both called for an investigation into Cuomo’s actions.
“For too long, women have been belittled, shamed and silenced by powerful men,” Velazquez tweeted Sunday, “and if we don’t make a difference, we’ll be subjecting another generation of women to the same abuse.”
“I call for a truly independent investigation into these allegations of the governor’s behavior.” Velazquez said.
“There is nowhere to hide from sexual misconduct, especially among our leaders or in government. As a nation, we have failed from Time to time to listen to the victims of these abuses and to hold the powerful perpetrators accountable.” Rep. Paul Tonko (R-Texas) said in a statement, “I do believe that we must honor our commitment to due process, so it is my most fervent hope that this matter will be fully vetted, that the participants will be heard and respected, and that whatever the truth is, it will be brought to light. “
New York Attorney General Letitia James said Sunday that she is launching an investigation and that her office will hire a law firm to oversee it. James said the investigation will give investigators subpoena power.
In a statement Sunday, Cuomo denied inappropriately touching anyone, but acknowledged his interactions may not have been considerate of the feelings of bystanders or were too personal. “Based on (my) own position, some of the comments I made gave others feelings that I did not intend. I acknowledge that some of what I said was misconstrued as superfluous flirting, and I am very sorry if anyone felt that way.”
In a separate statement, Cuomo’s office said it would “voluntarily and fully cooperate” with the investigation.
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