Cuomo says accusers ‘want attention’ in first press conference in months

A defensive Gov. Andrew Cuomo fended off a barrage of questions about his mounting scandals at his first open press conference in months Monday — saying some of his accusers just “want attention” and that he doesn’t regret inviting young women to the Executive Mansion.

During his first in-person press conference with reporters since the end of November, Cuomo flatly replied, “No, no,” when asked about the growing parade of allegations over sexual harassment, deaths in nursing homes and his controversial book deal.

Asked about the lkatest bombshell — a recent New York Times Magazine cover story that alleged Cuomo used an anti-trans slur and referred to Jews as “these people and their f–king treehouses” during a Sukkot event — he fumed, “I never said any such things.”

“They printed slurs and slander, and you’d have to ask them why they did that,” Cuomo said.

Governor Andrew Cuomo speaking at the Syracuse state fair April 26, 2021.
Governor Andrew Cuomo speaking at the Syracuse state fair April 26, 2021.
New York Governor’s Office

As for why he thought dozens of people have attested to his alleged disturbing behavior, Cuomo replied, “People are venial. People want attention. People are angry.”

Cuomo has also been accused of groping and kissing women, some staffers, during unwanted advances and making inappropriate sexually explicit comments.

Andrew Cuomo denied sexual harassment accusations at an in-person press conference on April 26, 2021.
Andrew Cuomo denied sexual harassment accusations at an in-person press conference on April 26, 2021.
EPA/MIKE SEGAR / POOL

Several young former female staffers have accused him of using issues with his cellphone as a ruse to invite them to his home to help.

Asked Monday if he regrets seeking the women’s help at the Executive Mansion, he replied, “No.

Andrew Cuomo has been accused of sexual harassment by several female staffers.
Andrew Cuomo has been accused of sexual harassment by several female staffers.
EPA/MIKE SEGAR / POOL

“I have many women who were working state government. … And I think that’s a good thing,” the governor said.

source: nypost.com