Top aide to Cuomo resigns

A top aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) resigned on Sunday night as he remains embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal that could cost him his governorship.

Melissa DeRosa, the secretary to the governor, said in a statement that “the past two years have been emotionally and mentally trying,” according to The New York Times.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of New York for the past 10 years. New Yorkers’ resilience, strength, and optimism through the most difficult times has inspired me every day,” she added. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such talented and committed colleagues on behalf of our state.”

The statement makes no mention of the investigation launched by New York state Attorney General Letitia James (D) that found Cuomo had harassed 11 women, some of whom worked for him.

“Specifically, the investigation found that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed current and former New York state employees by engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women,” James said during a news conference announcing the results of the investigation on Tuesday.

James launched the investigation after several women came forward alleging that they had experienced inappropriate comments, groping or unwanted kissing from Cuomo. 

Cuomo refuted the findings later that day.

“The facts are much different than what has been portrayed,” he said.

“First, I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am, and that’s not who I have ever been,” he added.

According to the Times, the report also alleged DeRosa led retaliatory efforts against one accuser who came forward in December to publicly address her allegations against the governor.

Cuomo has refused to resign despite many Democrats, including President Biden, New York’s two senators, and the New York State Democratic Committee chairman, calling on him to step down.

New York state Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Lavine (D) said on Thursday that his committee’s impeachment inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against the Democratic governor was close to being finished.

The Hill has reached out to Cuomo’s office for comment.