Gov. Cuomo Says His “Playful” Actions Were “Misinterpreted”

ALBANY – New York’s Governor is acknowledging some of his actions may be “misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation” following another sexual harassment allegation.

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a new statement Sunday saying he “never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm.”

He admits to “being playful and making jokes” and says:

“I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married,” said Cuomo. “I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.”

The Governor also acknowledged these actions may be “misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation.”

“I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation,” he said. “To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.”

Two former aides have accused the Governor of sexually harassing them during their time in the executive branch.

The full statement released by his office is posted below:

“Questions have been raised about some of my past interactions with people in the office.

I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends.

At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.

I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.

To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.

That’s why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations.

Separately, my office has heard anecdotally that some people have reached out to Ms. Bennett to express displeasure about her coming forward. My message to anyone doing that is you have misjudged what matters to me and my administration and you should stop now – period.”