Andrew Cuomo Accuser Charlotte Bennett Demands Disgraced New York Governor Resign Following Conclusion Of Sexual Harassment Investigation

Bennett first came forward with her claims against Cuomo in February of this year, one month before James launched the investigation into the governor's then-alleged misconduct.

In one specific incident that she said took place last summer, Bennett said Cuomo complained to her about being lonely during the coronavirus pandemic. She recalled him mentioning that he "can't even hug anyone," before turning this sights toward her and asking, "Who did I last hug?"

Bennett said she tried to avoid the question she interpreted to have sexual undertones by responding that she missed hugging her parents. "And he was, like, 'No, I mean like really hugged somebody?'" she told the publication.

"I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared," she said. "And was wondering how I was going to get out of it and assumed it was the end of my job."

After Bennett reported the incident to Cuomo's chief of staff and a special counsel to the governor, she was transferred to another job in another office.

She said she did not pursue her claims further it because she was happy in her new role and simply "wanted to move on."

Now that she and several other women have been publicly vindicated, however, she feels it's his time to go.

"This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law," said Attorney General James. "I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man – no matter how powerful – can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period."

James said the sexual harassment experienced by Cuomo's accusers included unwanted and inappropriate groping, kissing, hugging and comments that the women described as "deeply humiliating, uncomfortable, offensive, or inappropriate."

James and her team also determined that Cuomo's Executive Chamber fostered a "toxic" work culture that enabled "harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment." His office was found to have operated using "fear and intimidation" tactics.

Additionally, Cuomo engaged in "retaliatory" behavior by "intend[ing] to discredit and disparage" an ex-employee who came forward with her claims.

Investigators concluded that Cuomo's actions violated not only state and federal laws, but also the Executive Chamber's own written policies.