Gov. Cuomo refuses to resign, blames ‘cancel culture’ for sex-harass scandal

By Bernadette Hogan and Lia Eustachewich
New York Post

Gov. Andrew Cuomo refused on Friday to heed the calls from leaders within his own Democratic Party that he step down amid spiraling accusations of sexual harassment or misconduct now lodged by seven women — portraying himself as a victim of “cancel culture.”

“People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture and the truth. Let the review proceed,” Cuomo told reporters on a hastily scheduled phone briefing.

He then vowed, “I am not going to resign.”

“I was not elected by the politicians, I was elected by the people,” he added, repeating an oft-used mantra he’s used over the last two weeks.

During the call, Cuomo took just four questions from reporters — none from The Post, as has been his norm since the scandal broke — who grilled him on the growing scandal that’s engulfed his administration.

He dodged a question on whether he had had a consensual relationship with any of his accusers — whose claims range from unwanted touching and kissing to groping, the most serious charge.

“I have not had a sexual relationship that was inappropriate. Period,” he said.

He also took aim at his female accusers — including former aides.

“I won’t speculate about people’s possible motives,” he told reporters, while saying that as former state attorney general, he learned that “a lot of people allege a lot of things for a lot of reasons.”

“I never harassed anyone. I never abused anyone. I never assaulted anyone. And I never would,” he said.

On Thursday, more than 55 Democratic lawmakers from New York demanded the governor step down from office as he faces sexual harassment and assault allegations.

And Friday, Democratic members of New York’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and veteran Rep. Jerry Nadler, joined them in calling for Cuomo to quit.

Cuomo called his critics “reckless and dangerous” for reaching a conclusion before a pair of independent investigations conclude.

“Politicians take positions for all sorts of reasons, including political expediency and bowing to pressure,” he said.

“Part of this is that I am not part of the political club,” Cuomo continued. “And you know what, I’m proud of it.”

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https://nypost.com/2021/03/12/gov-cuomo-refuses-to-resign-over-sexual-harassment-scandal/