Cuomo led 'sexually hostile work environment,' DOJ finds

The Department of Justice has concluded a workplace reform agreement with the New York governor's office after concluding that former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed at least thirteen women and that his aides retaliated against several of them.

Cuomo resigned in August of 2021 amid public scrutiny over sexual harassment allegations.

The agreement outlines a litany of reforms to which the governor's office, under Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, agreed to implement, among expanding the Executive Chamber's new HR department, which did not exist under the Cuomo administration.

It further highlights the results of the DOJ investigation, stating that "the United States found that former Governor Cuomo subjected at least thirteen female employees of New York State, including Executive Chamber employees, to a sexually hostile work environment."

"Governor Cuomo repeatedly subjected these female employees to unwelcome, non-consensual sexual contact; ogling; unwelcome sexual comments; gender-based nicknames; comments on their physical appearances; and/or preferential treatment based on their physical appearances," it continued.

The DOJ further found that Cuomo's staff was aware of the problems, failed to report allegations against him, and actively worked to protect Cuomo.

"The United States also found that Cuomo’s senior staff were aware of his conduct and retaliated against four of the women he harassed," the agreement stated.

The agreement comes amid reports that Cuomo is exploring a political comeback. Last week, he sued New York Attorney Letitia James for materials related to her investigation into his conduct, asserting he needed the materials to defend himself from a suit filed by one of his former executive assistants.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.