A woman accused the governor of New York on Tuesday Andrew Cuomo Kissed her on the cheek without her consent, saying that she was “shocked” and later learned that he was using interactive images to try to defend herself from allegations of sexual harassment.
Talk to a lawyer Gloria Allred At the press conference, 61-year-old Susan Iannucci said that the photo of Cuomo kissing her was one of several photos in the slide montage, which was intended to show that the governor “never touched anyone improperly”.
The slide was shown in a pre-recorded statement last week, after New York Attorney General Letitia James, Cuomo denied any wrongdoing. Issued a stern report The governor who resigned on Tuesday sexually harassed 11 women. Through the use of photo and video montages, Cuomo tried to prove that touching and kissing the faces of men, women and children is a “warm” and innocent gesture.
But Iannucci said on Tuesday that her photo captured an unauthorized interaction, and the governor approached her, grabbed her, and then kissed her on the cheek.
“He looked into my eyes, grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him, kissed me on the cheek, and didn’t ask me if such a personal greeting is okay. I was surprised and embarrassed, so I smiled nervously. Laugh,” Iannucci said.
Iannucci said that this interaction took place in 2018 in White Plains, New York. She said she was embarrassed to find that someone had taken this photo and then shared it on social media. Now, Iannucci said that seeing this photo used as part of Cuomo’s defense made her feel “humiliated and embarrassed”.
“I was put in a position and I felt that I was used by Governor Cuomo to promote a narrative that his habit of infringing on people’s personal space was reasonable. I was shocked to be used in this way,” Ianucci said on Tuesday. At the same time held back tears.
“I don’t condone his behavior to any women who come forward, and I don’t like being made like that. I believe the governor’s behavior to me and others is wrong, even though he chooses to use my image,” she said. Added.
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Cuomo strongly denied the allegations of sexual harassment and stated that the dispute was politically motivated and untrue.
However, in the face of possible impeachment, the governor Announce resignation, Will take effect within 14 days. Cuomo said that his decision to step down was to “return the government to the government.”
“This is one of the most challenging times for the government in a generation,” Cuomo said. “The government really needs to play a role today. The government needs to play a role. This is a matter of life and death. The operation of the government and wasting energy on distraction is the last thing the state government should do. I cannot be the cause of this situation.”
The lieutenant governor of the state, Kathy Hochl, Will take office and complete Cuomo’s remaining term, which will end in 2023. Hochul, a Buffalo Democrat, will become the first female governor of New York.
“For him, it is absolutely right to do this politically. This is a legal settlement, and a political settlement. The governor should have resigned long ago,” Allred told a press conference on Tuesday. Say.
Allred added: “It is no longer appropriate to grab women or touch any part of their bodies.” “I’m glad he resigned.”
Weekly newspaper Cuomo’s office was contacted for more comment, but no response was received before the release.
