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- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will not resign Wednesday.
- Cuomo apologized for acting “in a way that made people feel uncomfortable.”
- Despite allegations, Cuomo said he “never touched anyone inappropriately.”
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he was “embarrassed” and “ashamed” on Wednesday over the way he behaved with women who have recently come forward to accuse him of sexual harassment.
“I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable, and I truly and deeply apologize for it,” Cuomo said.
“And frankly, I am embarrassed by it. And that’s not easy to say, but it’s the truth,” the governor added.
When asked if he would resign, Cuomo talked about the looming budget deadline of April 1 and insisted there is much at stake for New Yorkers. Another reporter asked him specifically if he was saying he wouldn’t resign, and Cuomo said yes.
“I apologized several days ago. I apologized today,” Cuomo said. “I will apologize tomorrow. I will apologize the day after. And I want New Yorkers to understand because this is more, the facts will come out in the [New York] attorney general’s review, but I want them to understand the emotion.”
More Democrats in the state legislature have called on Cuomo to resign in recent days, and several lawmakers from Cuomo's party told Insider on Wednesday that they are open to impeaching him if he doesn't resign.
While two Cuomo accusers have said he touched them inappropriately and without their consent - including by trying to kiss them on the lips - the governor said he "never touched anyone inappropriately."
The governor also said kissing people is his "customary greeting," and one that he extends to both men and women.
"You can go find hundreds of pictures of me kissing people," Cuomo said when asked about a photo of him holding one of the accuser's faces at a wedding.
—Jodi Kantor (@jodikantor) March 2, 2021
At several points, Cuomo reiterated that New Yorkers should wait until New York Attorney General Tish James releases the results of her independent investigation of the allegations. The investigation will be conducted by an outside law firm, and James will have subpoena power.
"Get the facts, please, before forming an opinion," Cuomo said.
"There's no but," Cuomo later added. "It's, I'm sorry."