Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Weighs In On Andrew Cuomo's Multiple Scandals
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has had a rough 2021, to say the least. After multiple scandals, including sexual assault allegations and reports that Cuomo's top aides altered data on a June report to downplay the number of COVID-related deaths in nursing homes at the peak of the pandemic (via The New York Times), politicians are now calling on Cuomo to resign from his position as governor.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has been the representative for New York's 14th District since 2019, issued a lengthy statement on Twitter in tandem with Rep. Jamaal Bowen calling for Cuomo's resignation immediately amid his political scandals. "After two accounts of sexual assault, four accounts of harassment, the Attorney General's investigation finding the Governor's admin hid nursing home data from the legislature & public, we agree with the 55+ members of the New York State legislature that the Governor must resign," the tweet read, accompanied by a copy of Bowen and Ocasio-Cortez's joint statement.
The call for Cuomo's resignation comes after a second sexual assault allegation against him
The statement started out by detailing the sexual assault allegations against the governor, as well as the (now) seven separate sexual harassment claims made over the last couple weeks (via The New York Post), before diving into his COVID-19 nursing home scandal. "Unfortunately, the Governor is not only facing the accusation that he engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment and assault," the statement read. "There is also the extensive report from the Attorney General that found the Cuomo administration hid data on COVID-19 nursing home deaths from both the public and the state legislature."
"We believe these women, we believe the reporting, we believe the Attorney General, and we believe the fifty-five members of the New York State legislature, including the State Senate Majority Leader, who have concluded that Governor Cuomo can no longer effectively lead in the face of so many challenges," the statement concluded.
Social media users were divided on Ocasio-Cortez and Bowen's call for Cuomo's resignation
Twitter users got into a heated debate over Ocasio-Cortez's tweet, and many social media users agreed that the investigation needs to play out before any actions are taken. "It's almost like Democrats have learned nothing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is under investigation. Let the investigation finish. And then if the findings are damning, then of course he has [sic] resign or be booted. I think most Dem leaders are out of step with Dem voters on this one," one social media user wrote.
Another echoed that sentiment, writing, "Resign over accusations? No due process? That's wrong! No one is saying Mr Cuomo is innocent nor is anyone saying accusers are lying (vice versa) But to ask anyone to make any moves without a fair and complete investigation is wrong. You are wrong and anyone else with you."
If you, or anyone you know, have been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).