In a stunning revelation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed on Friday the unsettling findings of its investigation into the executive chamber of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The probe affirmed the long-standing allegations, asserting that Cuomo’s office indeed “engaged in a pattern or practice of sexual harassment and retaliation.”
Cuomo’s Harassment Confirmed: Echoes of Hostility and Retaliation
According to the DOJ, Cuomo’s administration violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by subjecting female employees to a “sexually hostile work environment” and failing to take corrective measures. Shockingly, the investigation uncovered a distressing narrative of unwelcome sexual advances, non-consensual contact, derogatory comments, and preferential treatment based on physical appearances.
Cuomo’s resignation in 2021, amid an investigation by the New York attorney general, marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding saga of allegations. However, the recent DOJ settlement shed further light on the extent of misconduct, revealing that Cuomo subjected at least thirteen female employees to harassment.
Alarming Discovery: Lack of Protection, Retaliation Rampant
The investigation highlighted a chilling reality: the office’s response to these allegations was primarily aimed at shielding Cuomo from further scrutiny, rather than safeguarding employees from harassment. Shockingly, senior staff members were complicit in this culture of intimidation and retaliation, further exacerbating the ordeal for victims.
Cuomo’s Harassment Confirmed: Hochul’s Imperative
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the DOJ emphasized the urgency for reform. While commending Governor Kathy Hochul’s initial efforts, the agreement called for additional measures to address systemic failures and prevent future occurrences of harassment and retaliation.
