Andrew Cuomo fights back against allegations by taking legal action against his former aide, adding another chapter to one of the most notable political dramas of recent years.
At a Glance
- Andrew Cuomo files defamation suit against former aide Charlotte Bennett.
- Bennett accused Cuomo of harassment in 2021, leading to his resignation.
- Cuomo denies allegations, claims actions are politically motivated.
- Bennett dropped federal suit but maintains state case.
- Five NY district attorneys choose not to charge Cuomo.
Cuomo’s Legal Notice
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has initiated legal proceedings by filing a notice to sue his former aide, Charlotte Bennett, for defamation. This move represents his pushback against allegations of sexual harassment, which contributed to his resignation in 2021. The legal notice claims that Bennett’s accusations “were false and defamatory, and Bennett made it knowing full well that it was false and intending to cause harm to Governor Cuomo.” Cuomo seeks to reclaim his reputation and narrative.
The defamation suit comes after Bennett accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, notably asking her invasive questions about her personal life. Though she recently dropped a federal lawsuit, Bennett maintains a state case against Cuomo. Bennett’s legal team maintains that her claims are truthful and insists that the defamation suit is an attempt to silence accusers.
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
Public and Legal Reactions
Cuomo’s attorneys insist that the former Governor fully intends to clear his name and prevent the recurrence of the allegations, emphasizing a commitment to exposing what they describe as falsehoods. Bennett’s attorney, Debra S. Katz, criticized the lawsuit, stating, “There is a long history of using defamation lawsuits to silence and punish accusers of sexual harassment. It is shameful that Mr. Cuomo has apparently now chosen to go down that path.” Despite the ongoing tensions, Cuomo is reportedly focused on rebuilding his image.
Simultaneously, Andrew Cuomo faces another legal challenge as Brittany Commisso, another former aide, also brings sexual harassment charges against him. Filed under the Adult Survivors Act, the lawsuit accuses Cuomo of unwanted touching and retaliatory actions. Cuomo’s counsel labeled the accusations as an attempt at financial gain, highlighting that earlier criminal charges were dismissed due to lack of substantive evidence.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) brought a defamation claim against an ex-aide whose sexual harassment allegations against him helped lead to his resignation. https://t.co/MFTRUuSyee
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) December 20, 2024
Future Implications
Cuomo’s decision to sue his accuser marks a new phase in his ongoing efforts to counter allegations that have cast shadows over his career. Observers question whether this aggressive legal strategy will effectively aid in his rehabilitation, especially as Cuomo considers a potential run for New York City mayor. The state court’s reception of Bennett’s ongoing suit and Cuomo’s parallel lawsuit will undoubtedly shape public perception and perhaps influence Cuomo’s political future.
As Cuomo makes this bold legal counter, the broader narrative portrays a man fiercely defending his legacy amid scrutiny. Many see the courthouse battles as emblematic of the complex intersections of power, governance, and personal conduct. These unfolding events ensure close public and media attention, keeping Cuomo’s legal saga in the limelight.
Sources:
- Cuomo moves to sue a former aide who accused him of sexual harassment
- Andrew Cuomo accused of sexual harassment by former aide in new legal filing
- Cuomo moves to sue former aide who accused him of sexual harassment – syracuse.com
