{"id":2418414,"date":"2025-04-01T12:17:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T16:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/former-mayor-alleges-cuomo-forcibly-kissed-her-on-the-cheek-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-04-01T12:17:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T16:17:57","slug":"former-mayor-alleges-cuomo-forcibly-kissed-her-on-the-cheek-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/former-mayor-alleges-cuomo-forcibly-kissed-her-on-the-cheek-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Former mayor alleges Cuomo \u2018forcibly\u2019 kissed her on the cheek &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fformer-mayor-alleges-cuomo-forcibly-kissed-her-on-the-cheek-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2418414&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner has publicly accused ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of forcibly kissing her on the cheek during his time in office. Miner recounted the incident in an interview promoting her new book, &#8220;Madam Mayor,&#8221; describing how it occurred at a 2013 event where she opposed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/newsom-signs-bill-that-ties-tv-and-film-production-tax-credits-to-diversity-goals\/\" title=\"Newsom Signs Bill That Ties TV And Film Production Tax Credits To Diversity Goals\">tax incentive program<\/a> being promoted. She felt manipulated by Cuomo&#8217;s team, indicating that refusing his advances would portray her as someone unable to collaborate with a powerful political figure.<\/p>\n<p>miner detailed her discomfort during two instances with Cuomo; the first kiss occurred at the 2013 event, followed by another in 2017 during a State of the State address. she noted that the gesture was not about affection but rather a display of power from Cuomo. In response, Cuomo&#8217;s team dismissed Miner\u2019s claims as exaggerations, insisting that such a kiss is a customary greeting and questioned her credibility as a politician.<\/p>\n<p>Cuomo faces a history of allegations regarding inappropriate behavior towards women, leading to his resignation in 2021. Recently, he announced his bid for the New York City mayoral race, where he is currently leading in the polls.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Former mayor alleges Cuomo &lsquo;forcibly&rsquo; kissed her on the cheek while governor<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2079732\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner claimed former Gov. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/andrew-cuomo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Andrew Cuomo\">Andrew Cuomo<\/a> (D-NY) &ldquo;forcibly&rdquo; kissed her on the cheek <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3356038\/andrew-cuomo-political-legacy-run-new-york-mayor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"during his term\">during his time as governor<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Miner<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/03\/31\/us-news\/ex-syracuse-mayor-stephanie-miner-got-unwanted-kisses-from-andrew-cuomo\/\" target=\"_blank\">recounted the incident<\/a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<em>New York Post<\/em>&nbsp;while promoting her new book, <em>Madam Mayor<\/em>. She<\/span> said it occurred at an event on the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center campus in 2013 when she attended an event promoting a tax incentive program, which she opposed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3365483\/mike-lindell-teases-challenge-tim-walz-minnesota-governor\/\">Mike Lindell teases challenging Tim Walz for Minnesota governor<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3364623\/wisconsin-supreme-court-brad-schimel-maga-momentum-gathers\/\">Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel makes pitch to MAGA as late momentum gathers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3364668\/longtime-arizona-voters-proof-citizenship-decadeslong-error\/\">Longtime Arizona voters told to provide proof of citizenship after decadeslong error<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Miner claimed that Cuomo&rsquo;s team manipulated the situation to make it look like she supported the program, culminating in an unwanted kiss greeting.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In this March 16, 2012 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner talk during a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/calif-gov-slammed-for-bill-signing-ceremony-in-deli\/\" title=\"Calif. Gov. slammed for bill signing ceremony in deli\">bill signing ceremony<\/a> in the Red Room at the Capitol in Albany, New York. (AP Photo\/Mike Groll, File)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;I was being manipulated but had no real choice,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;If I refused, it would cement me as someone who could not work with the most powerful elected official in the state. I felt like a trapped animal, and I knew my face gave away exactly how I was feeling.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>After she saw Cuomo greet former Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney with a kiss at the event, she feared she would be next.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I thought, what if he tries to kiss me? When Cuomo got to me, he grabbed my hand and, with a big smile on his face, leaned in to kiss me. I instinctively leaned out, feeling myself flush red, and murmured a hello while the cameras snapped,&rdquo; Miner said.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Given that he was about six feet tall, and I was five-three, he was able to easily envelop me &hellip; To be clear, I was furious about the manipulation and the illusory economic development promises, not the kiss,&rdquo; she added.<\/p>\n<p>Miner said Cuomo greeted her with a kiss again in 2017 while delivering a regional State of the State policy address in Syracuse.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;As his cameraman furiously clicked away, Cuomo greeted everyone with a hug or a kiss. I was in the middle of the row with multiple people on either side of me. There was no escape. When he got to me, he surrounded me and kissed me,&rdquo; she said.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Did I want that?&rdquo; Miner continued. &ldquo;No. Was it clear from my body language, my facial expression, and everything he knew about me I did not want that? Yes, which is why he did it: to show his political dominance.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;With Andrew Cuomo, his kissing me was about power. I never viewed it as sexual. We were gladiators in a public ring, and that&rsquo;s how he showed he was boss,&rdquo; Miner suggested.<\/p>\n<p>A statement from Cuomo&rsquo;s team clarified that the kiss was on the cheek, a customary greeting in many parts of the world. Cuomo campaign spokesman Richard Azzopardi dismissed her concerns as &ldquo;silly.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s nothing here to suggest that this was anything other than a peck on the cheek. It&rsquo;s the customary greeting since the dawn of civilization,&rdquo; he told the <em>New York Post<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Azzopardi also hit Miner&rsquo;s credibility and importance.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our great city is in crisis, and New Yorkers know Andrew Cuomo is the only person in this race with the experience, leadership, and the proven record to take on the hard issues and make New York a safer and more affordable place for all,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;New Yorkers aren&rsquo;t stupid; they have known Andrew Cuomo for decades and are not going to be swayed by a long-since <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">retired upstate mayor<\/a> who ran against him years ago, lost by 58 points, fell off the face of the Earth and has now resurfaced using his name to try to sell a book,&rdquo; Azzopardi concluded.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3334447\/cuomo-paints-dim-picture-of-nyc-in-mayoral-campaign-announcement-the-city-feels-threatening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"CUOMO PAINTS DIM PICTURE OF NYC IN MAYORAL CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT: &lsquo;THE CITY FEELS THREATENING&rsquo;\">CUOMO PAINTS DIM PICTURE OF NYC IN MAYORAL CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT: &lsquo;THE CITY FEELS THREATENING&rsquo;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cuomo has come under criticism before for alleged inappropriate interactions with women. Sexual misconduct allegations have ranged from inappropriate comments and invasion of personal space to groping. While he denied the allegations, Cuomo was pressured to resign as governor in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Cuomo announced his political comeback on March 1, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3334447\/cuomo-paints-dim-picture-of-nyc-in-mayoral-campaign-announcement-the-city-feels-threatening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">launching a bid<\/a> for mayor of New York City. He is currently leading in the polls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2079732\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2079732\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former Syracuse Mayor Miner claims Cuomo kissed her forcibly<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2653,"featured_media":2418415,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Cuomo-Miner.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[5609,3714,52620,52621],"class_list":["post-2418414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-allegations","tag-cuomo","tag-formermayor","tag-kissingincident"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Cuomo-Miner.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2418414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2653"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2418414"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2418414\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2418418,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2418414\/revisions\/2418418"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2418415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2418414"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2418414"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2418414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}