This browser does not support the Video element.
NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was riding high on his reputation of being tough on crimes against women until a New Yorker magazine article detailed disturbing physical violence and psychological abuse against four former romantic partners. The story details allegations of slapping, choking, and beatings often during what the women said were alcohol-fueled rages. They also claimed he abused the prescription drug Xanax.
"No one can do this to another human being—you can't abuse people, you can't harass them, you can't use your power against them, you can't threaten them, you just can't do that," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday. "No one can do that. And people sworn to uphold the law especially are held to the highest standard."
Michelle Manning Barish was one of two women who allowed their names to be used.
"After the most difficult month of my life-I spoke up. For my daughter and for all women," she tweeted. "I could not remain silent and encourage women to be brave for me. I could not…"
At a police headquarters briefing, Commissioner James O'Neill confirmed none of the women filed complaints against Schneiderman. But that could change. He said that the NYPD would work with Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr. to reach out to alleged victims.
"These are real serious, very serious allegations," he said. "Working in conjunction with the Manhattan DA's office, that'll be part of the investigation—to see if and what charges he'll face."
Hours after the story broke, Schneiderman resigned.
"While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office's work at this critical time," he said in a statement. "I therefore resign my office."
"It was horrifying and it was disgusting," de Blasio said. "And it was unacceptable in every way."
The New Yorker article paints a picture of the former attorney general as a crusader for women by day and a manipulative abuser by night with graphic details of psychological, verbal, and emotional abuse that included threats of surveillance and worse if the women tried to leave him.
"I think these women were especially courageous. They were dealing with the attorney general, the top law enforcement," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday. "According to the article, they were threatened not to say anything and they came forward anyway."
Cuomo sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood calling on Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas to be designated a special prosecutor, which is allowed under state law, to investigate the claims made by four women.
Schneiderman has long been considered a friend to the women's movement, so the shock of these allegations is even more intense.
In a statement, Schneiderman admitted that he engaged in role-playing but never assaulted anyone and never had nonconsensual sex.