NWLC Responds to Independent Investigation’s Findings That NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Violated Federal and State Laws

(Washington, D.C.) The following is a statement from president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center and co-founder of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund Fatima Goss Graves:

“We are grateful to the brave women who spoke truth to power and sparked a long-overdue investigation into the conduct of Governor Andrew Cuomo, which has concluded that Cuomo engaged in appalling behavior, violating multiple state and federal laws, and abusing his power to do so. The heartbreaking and enraging stories detailed by Attorney General James are unfortunately all too typical of the continuing, pervasive epidemic of sexual harassment and violence in workplaces, schools, and homes throughout the country.

“Governor Cuomo’s insulting defense of his actions will also sound familiar to countless survivors who have had their legitimacy questioned and their pain challenged by the very people who inflicted that pain. To end this process with the publication of these findings and without Cuomo’s removal would be a disservice to survivors everywhere. No individual should be exempt from consequences, especially not those who rely on their profile or powerful position to avoid accountability. In fact, we must demand more from our leaders, particularly those in elected office whose sworn responsibility it is to protect and serve their constituents. Justice for survivors includes accountability, and that applies here as well: Cuomo must resign – or be removed from office – immediately.”