Federal prosecutors have supported the findings of the New York attorney general that former Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and fostered a hostile work environment in the governor's office. In a settlement agreement between the federal government and Governor Kathy Hochul's office, the US Attorney's Office criticized Cuomo for sexually harassing and retaliating against former employees, despite his continued denial of the allegations.

The report states that Cuomo subjected at least thirteen female employees, including those in the Executive Chamber, to a sexually hostile work environment. The former governor allegedly engaged in unwelcome sexual contact, ogling, sexual comments, gender-based nicknames, comments on physical appearances, and preferential treatment based on physical appearances. The settlement agreement resulted from a separate federal investigation into Cuomo, which began in 2021 and focused on potential violations of labor and civil rights laws.

Although the federal settlement does not include formal legal charges against Cuomo, it reached the same conclusions as the 2021 report by special prosecutors hired by Attorney General Letitia James, which ultimately led to Cuomo's resignation. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division stated that the conduct in the Executive Chamber under the former governor was particularly egregious due to the power differential involved and the victims' lack of avenues to report harassment.

Cuomo's attorneys continue to deny the allegations and claim that the federal investigation was politically motivated. They argue that the settlement is merely a political agreement without a proper investigation. Cuomo's spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, criticized U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for signing off on the settlement, suggesting bias due to his previous work at the same firm as one of the prosecutors in the attorney general's investigation.

However, the Attorney General's spokesperson countered these claims, stating that the facts do not support Cuomo's denial and attacks on the women involved. Several of the accusers welcomed the federal findings as another victory, highlighting that the Department of Justice's independent investigation and subsequent settlement agreement disprove Cuomo's assertion that the attorney general's findings were politically motivated.

The settlement between Governor Hochul and the federal government includes recommendations for restructuring the governor's office to prevent retaliation against accusers. The investigators emphasized the need to address the power differential and lack of reporting avenues faced by victims. Governor Hochul has already implemented several reforms, such as removing Cuomo's allies involved in his misconduct, establishing a human resources department within her office, and creating a workplace sexual harassment hotline.

The agreement also stipulates that Hochul will take additional steps, including implementing a clear policy on retaliation and changing the process for filing complaints to be handled by the New York State's Office of Employee Relations instead of an independent firm. Hochul expressed her commitment to eradicating the culture of harassment in the Executive Chamber and partnering with the Department of Justice to build upon the progress made.

Some of Cuomo's accusers have pursued their own legal action against him. Charlotte Bennett and an unnamed state trooper from Cuomo's protective detail have filed lawsuits in federal court, while Brittany Commisso has sued Cuomo in state court.

In Albany, the Justice Department reached a settlement with the state of New York to resolve the sexual harassment investigation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This settlement confirms the allegations from the previous misconduct probe that led to Cuomo's resignation. The agreement outlines the reforms made after Cuomo left office and the additional steps the state will take to address sexual harassment claims.

Cuomo, who once held promise within the Democratic party, resigned in 2021 after an investigation by Attorney General Letitia James found that he sexually harassed at least 11 women. Despite denying the allegations and accusing James of political motivations, the Justice Department's investigation reached similar conclusions, noting a pattern of sexual misconduct by Cuomo and a sexually hostile work environment for at least 13 state employees. The investigation also found that Cuomo's staff failed to adequately report allegations and retaliated against four women who raised complaints.

Cuomo's attorney released a statement claiming that the former governor did not sexually harass anyone and criticizing the Justice Department's investigation for relying solely on James' report without contacting Cuomo. However, the settlement undermines Cuomo's criticisms of James' probe, especially as he is rumored to be considering a political comeback.

Governor Kathy Hochul, who succeeded Cuomo, expressed her commitment to continuing the reforms to address and prevent sexual harassment and retaliation in the state. The settlement requires the state to establish a process for lodging complaints against senior officials with a third-party law firm and provide additional training on reporting harassment and discrimination. The governor's office will also implement a program dedicated to monitoring potential retaliation against complainants.