‘I Never Touched Anyone Inappropriately’: Cuomo Refuses To Resign, Denies Investigation Findings

Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo refused to resign and denied Tuesday the findings of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him.

An investigation released Tuesday by Attorney General Letitia James found that Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo “sexually harassed a number of State employees through unwelcome and unwanted touching, as well as by making numerous offensive and sexually suggestive comments” and that this conduct “was part of a pattern of behavior that extended to his interactions with others outside of State government.” (RELATED: FLASHBACK: Biden Says Cuomo Should Resign If Investigation Confirms Harassment Claims)

The governor spoke out Tuesday following the results of the investigation, saying his attorneys have compiled responses to the allegations.

Cuomo echoed his previous denials of anyone inappropriate touching, saying in a pre-recorded statement, “I want you to know directly from me, I never touched anyone inappropriately.”

“I am 63 years old,” he said. “I have lived my entire adult life in public you field. That is just not who I am. And that is not who I have ever been.

“I do kiss people on the forehead,” the governor continued. “I do kiss people on the cheek. I do embrace people…men and women. I do on occasion say, ‘Ciao bella.’ On occasion, I do slip and say sweetheart or darling.”

The governor said that he now understands that there are “generational or cultural perspectives” that he did not understand and apologized if any of his well-intentioned actions made anyone uncomfortable.

Editor’s note: This story will be updated.

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