NY attorney general's office to interview Cuomo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (Courtesy of Governor's Press Office)

NEW YORK - The New York attorney general's office will be interviewing Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday in connection with a sexual harassment case, two officials familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Investigators were always expected to speak with Cuomo, who said at the start of the probe in March that he would "fully cooperate." Cuomo is also facing an impeachment inquiry in the state assembly.

Saturday's interview signals that investigators are nearly done with their work, which has included interviews with the governor's accusers, though they may need some time to tie up loose ends before a report is issued.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for the governor said Cuomo had no comment.

"We have said repeatedly that the governor doesn't want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, but the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney general's review," Richard Azzopardi, a senior advisor to Cuomo, said in a statement.

Cuomo is facing allegations that he abused his power by inappropriately touching and sexually harassing women who worked with him or met him elsewhere. Accusations range from groping under a woman's shirt and planting unwanted kisses, to asking unwelcome personal questions about sex and dating.

Cuomo initially apologized and said that he "learned an important lesson" about his behavior around women, though he's since denied that he did anything wrong and questioned the motivations of accusers and fellow Democrats who’ve called for his resignation.

Cuomo, in office since 2011, has rebuffed calls to step aside over the allegations.

Cuomo’s popularity has dipped this year: about 62% of voters said Cuomo should resign or not seek re-election in a late June poll by Siena College. Still, supporters point out that 61% of Democrats in that poll said they have a favorable opinion of him.

In March, Attorney General Letitia James hired two outside lawyers to lead her office's investigation into the allegations.

Initially, Cuomo tried to control who would investigate him by recommending a federal judge with close ties to his advisors. But that prompted sharp criticism from lawmakers in both parties.

Finally, Cuomo's office agreed to send James a referral letter formally asking for a review, as required under state law.

Cuomo said he never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable and apologized for that but denied harassing or assaulting anyone.

With The Associated Press.

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