Andrew Cuomo apologises, saying ‘playful banter’ was ‘misinterpreted’

Andrew Cuomo is “truly sorry” and says his reaction to sexual harassment accusations was “insensitive”.

In response to two former aids presenting claims, the New York governor said he “never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm”.

Staffers Charlotte Bennett and Lindsey Boylan have both spoken out about the treatment from their former boss, outlining unprofessional conduct which included questions about dating preferences, requests to play strip poker and unwanted kisses, according to reports.

Cuomo said he would be “playful and make jokes that I think are funny... (and) tease people in what I think would be a good-natured way. I do it in public and private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times.”

Since providing this justification, he has admitted it was ‘too far’ and has permitted New York state Attorney General Letitia James to begin an investigation.

“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,” he said.

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

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

This follows the governor wanting to have more control over who carried out the investigations, something James refuted. Cuomo had requested his ally Janet DiFore join the team.