New York Gov. Cuomo's book deal was worth a whopping $5.12 million

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sold the rights to his book titled "American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic" for a whopping $5.12 million, tax records indicate.

The New York Post reported that according to the tax returns, Cuomo received $3.12 million of the total last year, but after factoring in legal and editing costs it amounted to a little over $3 million of taxable income. Cuomo is slated to receive the remaining $2 million over this year and next, the outlet reported, citing the tax returns.

While the New York Times reported that state officials said Cuomo had received $3.12 million and is to receive the other $2 million over two years, the outlet said that the released tax returns only included money Cuomo received in 2020 and it is not clear if Cuomo will get paid his full advance.

CNN reported that according to Cuomo senior adviser Rich Azzopardi the contract awarded $3.12 million with another $2 million to be shelled out over two years.

The Post reported that Cuomo gave $300,000 to the United Way last year and his accountants said he provided an additional $200,000 as well but cannot write those funds off until next year because of a "wiring issue."

According to the Post, Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said in a statement that Cuomo gave a large chunk of the book profits he has received so far to his three daughters. 

"Net income from the $3,120,000 million payment less expenses and taxes is $1,537,508," Azzopardi said. "From that net income, the Governor donated a third to the United Way of New York State for state-wide COVID relief and vaccination effort, and is giving the remainder in a trust for his three daughters equally who worked with the Governor during this pandemic and did what he calls 'tireless and effective work for all New Yorkers' and gave him 'the strength and love to make it through the crisis every day.'"

The embattled governor has been under scrutiny for his handling of nursing homes amid the coronavirus pandemic and due to allegations of sexual harassment made against him.