The latest on Lindsey Boylan’s accusations against Cuomo
Governor Cuomo on July 1, 2020. Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
On Sunday, Lindsey Boylan, one of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s former aides, took to Twitter to shoot off a series of tweets alleging that the governor sexually harassed her while she worked for him.
“I could never anticipate what to expect: would I be grilled on my work (which was very good) or harassed about my looks,” Boylan said. “Or would it be both in the same conversation?”
Yes, @NYGovCuomo sexually harassed me for years. Many saw it, and watched.
— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) December 13, 2020
I could never anticipate what to expect: would I be grilled on my work (which was very good) or harassed about my looks. Or would it be both in the same conversation? This was the way for years.
Not knowing what to expect what’s the most upsetting part aside from knowing that no one would do a damn thing even when they saw it.
— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) December 13, 2020
No one.
And I *know* I am not the only woman.
I’m angry to be put in this situation at all. That because I am a woman, I can work hard my whole life to better myself and help others and yet still fall victim as countless women over generations have. Mostly silently.
— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) December 13, 2020
I hate that some men, like @NYGovCuomo abuse their power.
Quickly after asserting that Cuomo harassed her while she worked for him as deputy secretary for economic development and as a special advisor, from 2015 to 2018, Boylan said that she would not be taking any questions from journalists regarding her accusation. She did not provide any specific examples of harassment she suffered or offer any corroborating evidence for her accusation.
Cuomo’s office immediately disputed Boylan’s claims, following the publication of her Twitter thread. "There is simply no truth to these claims," said the governor’s press secretary, Caitlin Girouard.
The governor also denied Boylan’s claims during his Monday press conference, while stating that he believes women have a right to come forward with any harassment claims they may have.
Boylan, who is currently running for Manhattan Borough President, also called Cuomo’s administration the “most toxic team environment” that she has ever worked in last week. It’s also worth noting that Boylan’s Twitter thread occurred a day after the Associated Press reported that President-elect Joe Biden was strongly considering Cuomo for Attorney General, which Boylan protested.
New York newspapers jumped on the story over the weekend.
On Sunday, the New York Post reported on misconduct claims filed against Boylan during her time in the governor’s office. According to the documents obtained by the Post, three Black employees alleged that Boylan was a “bully” who “treats them like children” and was confronted with $8,000 in travel expenses, which ultimately led to her resignation.
Three women who had worked for the Cuomo administration for a combined total of 15 years, told the Times Union, under the condition of anonymity, that they had not experienced the sort of harassment that Boylan said she had. However, one woman said that she would not be surprised if someone were to perceive Cuomo’s behavior as “bullying.”
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