Potential Abuse of Power at the Highest Level. Elected Officials Must Initiate a Probe.

February 27, 2021 — New York, NY — NOW New York, in its initial statement, called on elected officials to fully examine the allegation of sexual harassment by former Cuomo aide Lindsey Boylan, who wrote an essay in which she described an incidence in which the Governor kissed her without warning. Today, a second aide, Charlotte Bennett, has come forward, describing comments of a sexual nature that she says the Governor made while they were alone in his office.

The Legislature has advanced numerous laws since 2015 that hold employers responsible for addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. It is incumbent on them to seek an independent body to investigate these allegations, and how Bennett’s complaints were handled by supervisors in the administration.

“The Legislature must initiate a full examination of the allegations involving the Governor and just as importantly, needs to uncover how the complaint was handled and ensure that there was no breach of duty,” said Sonia Ossorio, President of NOW-NY.

“Ensuring that it is fair and independent is key. But they must also ensure that it remains free of political pressure and stay outside of politics” Ossorio said.

NOW-NYC ignites change for the women and girls of New York. We advance laws, promote women in politics, fight for reproductive justice, challenge discrimination and violence against women, and act NOW.

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