Former Assistant Sues Andrew Cuomo for Sexual Harassment
Former Assistant Alleges Sexual Harassment
A former executive assistant to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is filing a lawsuit for sexual harassment. Brittany Commisso accuses Cuomo of continuous sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances, sexual comments, demeaning tasks, and forcible touching. The lawsuit claims that Cuomo’s behavior created a hostile work environment and caused significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm to Commisso.
The Lawsuit and the Adult Survivors Act
The lawsuit was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which allowed adults to file civil lawsuits relating to sexual abuse allegations within a one-year window. The Act recently expired, but it has led to a wave of lawsuits against high-profile individuals. Commisso’s filing came just in time, as it allows her to seek legal action against Cuomo.
Criminal Charges and Resignation
Commisso had previously pursued criminal charges against Cuomo, but the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence. Cuomo has consistently denied the allegations and referred to the dropped criminal case in his defense. However, in August 2021, Cuomo resigned as governor after being implicated in a report by New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, which detailed allegations of sexual harassment by 11 women.
The Impact of the Lawsuit
Commisso’s lawsuit adds to the existing allegations against Cuomo and the scrutiny he has faced. It highlights the need for accountability in cases of sexual harassment and raises questions about the culture of workplaces and positions of power. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for both Cuomo and the public’s perception of the allegations against him.
