On Sunday, the top Democrat in the State Senate, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, called for Cuomo’s resignation, signaling a loss of faith among his fellow Democrats at the State Capitol. Shortly before Senator Stewart-Cousins ’statement, Cuomo rejected requests for him to step aside, saying “there is no way” he would do it, citing that the investigation would be overseen by James’ office.
“Let the attorney general do her job,” said Cuomo. “She is very good, she is very competent, and that will be due process and then we will have the facts.”
The appointment of the two investigators came as the Cuomo government announced the departure of its lawyer, Kumiki Gibson, one of several high-ranking officials who have left in recent weeks, including Gareth Rhodes, a respected member of the coronavirus task force.
Beth Garvey, a special lawyer who was at the heart of Mr. Cuomo’s response to allegations of sexual harassment, was appointed as an interim counselor.
Five women have come forward since the end of February on charges of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior against Cuomo.
The investigation announced by James, a Democrat, was sparked by a report in The New York Times on February 27 about Cuomo, 63, and a 25-year-old woman, Charlotte Bennett, who had worked in the governor’s office as an executive assistant and senior planner.
In a series of interviews for The Times, Bennett said Cuomo asked invasive personal questions last spring about her sex life and as a survivor of sexual assault, including whether she had slept with older men and whether she thought age made a difference in relationships. Cuomo also complained about being alone and wanting a girlfriend in Albany, said Bennett, statements she interpreted as clear openings for a sexual relationship.