Fact Check: "Cuomo faces allegations of sexually harassing 13 women and COVID-19 nursing home deaths."
What We Know
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been accused of sexually harassing at least 13 women during his time in office, as confirmed by the Department of Justice in January 2024. These allegations span an eight-year period and include claims from former aides and other women who worked for the state. The accusations led to significant media coverage and investigations into Cuomo's conduct.
In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, Cuomo's administration has been scrutinized for its handling of COVID-19-related deaths in nursing homes. Reports indicate that Cuomo's administration may have significantly underreported the number of COVID-19 deaths in these facilities, with estimates suggesting that the true death toll could be as much as 15,000, compared to the reported figures of less than 10,000 at one point (House GOP seeks DOJ criminal charges for Cuomo in nursing ..., New York COVID-19 nursing home scandal). This discrepancy has led to calls for criminal charges against Cuomo for allegedly lying to Congress about the situation (House GOP seeks DOJ criminal charges for Cuomo in nursing ...).
Analysis
The claims regarding Cuomo's sexual harassment and the nursing home deaths are supported by multiple credible sources. The investigative report released by the New York Attorney General's office details the findings of an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations, corroborating the claims made by the women involved. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the allegations and the evidence gathered during the investigation.
On the nursing home deaths, the Washington Examiner reported that House Republicans have referred Cuomo to the Department of Justice for allegedly providing false statements regarding the number of deaths. This referral is based on evidence that suggests Cuomo was involved in drafting misleading reports about the death toll, which raises serious questions about accountability and transparency during the pandemic.
However, it is important to note that while the allegations are serious and have been substantiated by investigations, Cuomo and his representatives have denied wrongdoing. Cuomo's publicist has characterized the investigations and referrals as politically motivated and lacking in merit (House GOP seeks DOJ criminal charges for Cuomo in nursing ...).
Conclusion
The claim that Andrew Cuomo faces allegations of sexually harassing 13 women and is involved in controversies surrounding COVID-19 nursing home deaths is Partially True. The allegations of sexual harassment are well-documented and supported by credible investigations, while the nursing home death figures are also backed by substantial evidence of misreporting. However, Cuomo's denials and claims of political bias against him introduce a layer of complexity to the narrative, indicating that while the allegations are serious, the full context and implications are still subject to ongoing debate.
