Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo takes legal action against sexual harassment accuser, signaling a fierce battle to reclaim his reputation.
At a Glance
- Cuomo files notice to sue former aide Charlotte Bennett for defamation
- Bennett accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, leading to his 2021 resignation
- Cuomo denies allegations, seeks compensatory and punitive damages
- Bennett dropped federal lawsuit but maintains accusations
- Cuomo’s move criticized as tactic to silence accusers
Cuomo’s Legal Counteroffensive
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a legal counterattack against Charlotte Bennett, a former aide who accused him of sexual harassment. Cuomo’s attorneys have filed a notice of intent to sue Bennett for defamation, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing saga that led to Cuomo’s resignation from office in 2021. This bold move comes as Cuomo seeks to clear his name and rebuild his political career, potentially eyeing a run for New York City mayor.
The legal notice claims that Bennett’s statements were “false and defamatory,” and were made with the intention to harm Cuomo. The former governor is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, signaling his determination to fight back against the allegations that derailed his political career.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo filed a lawsuit Thursday against a former aide who alleged he sexually harassed her in 2020. His legal filing came just days after she withdrew her own lawsuit against him. @TimMcNicholas has the story.
https://t.co/Ya4QxQVHmt— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) December 19, 2024
The Allegations and Their Aftermath
Bennett’s accusations were part of a broader scandal that engulfed Cuomo’s administration. She claimed that Cuomo asked invasive questions about her personal life, which she interpreted as sexual advances. These allegations, along with similar claims from other women, led to a damning report by the State Attorney General’s office, which found that Cuomo had harassed at least 11 women.
The fallout was swift and severe. Cuomo resigned in August 2021, facing the prospect of impeachment. However, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the accusations as politically motivated. Despite the resignation, Cuomo has been working to rehabilitate his image and maintain his political relevance.
Legal Battles and Political Implications
The decision to sue Bennett comes after she dropped her federal lawsuit against Cuomo earlier this month. However, Bennett maintains her accusations and still has an ongoing lawsuit in state court. Cuomo’s legal team is seizing on this development, stating their intent to ensure that Bennett “never again repeat the falsehood that he sexually harassed” her.
Critics, including Bennett’s attorney, have condemned Cuomo’s legal action as an attempt to silence accusers. They argue that such defamation lawsuits have a long history of being used to punish those who speak out against sexual harassment. This perspective highlights the broader implications of Cuomo’s lawsuit for the #MeToo movement and the ongoing debate about how to address allegations of misconduct by powerful figures.
The Road Ahead
As Cuomo pursues this legal strategy, he faces an uphill battle in the court of public opinion. While five District Attorneys in New York declined to pursue criminal charges against him, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation found that Cuomo had created a sexually hostile work environment for at least 13 state employees and retaliated against four women who complained.
The former governor’s potential political comeback, including rumors of a run for New York City Mayor, will likely hinge on the outcome of these legal battles and his ability to reshape public perception. For now, Cuomo remains a polarizing figure, with supporters viewing him as a victim of political targeting and critics maintaining that he must be held accountable for his alleged actions.
