Andrew Cuomo plays montage of him kissing and hugging people as he denies allegations

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has responded to State Attorney General Letitia James’s bombshell report alleging he sexually harassed 11 women, perpetuating a “toxic culture” that enabled his behaviour in the office. However Cuomo vehemently refutes the report’s claims, and did so while narrating a montage of him hugging and kissing various people.

In a fifteen-minute long pre-recorded video, Cuomo asserts that “the facts are much different than what has been portrayed” and that the allegations “unfairly characterize and weaponize everyday interactions that I’ve had with any number of New Yorkers,” which he later demonstrated with photographic evidence in the video.

“I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances,” he continued. “I am 63 years old, I’ve lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am and that’s not who I have ever been.”

“I’ve been making the same gesture all my life. I actually learned it from my mother and form my father,” he said, referring to photo in which he grasps one accuser’s cheeks to kiss her at a 2019 wedding. “It is meant to convey warmth, nothing more…There are hundreds if not thousands of photos of me using the exact same gesture. I do it with everyone,” he continued, as a montage of photos depicting Cuomo embracing various citizens with hugs and kisses began to play.

“I do it with everyone. Black, white, young, old, straight and LGBTQ, powerful people, friends, strangers, people who I meet on the street,” Cuomo narrated over the slideshow.

Twitter is flummoxed by Cuomo’s decision to quite literally play a montage of hugging photos in an attempt to defend himself.

Others are mocking the statement in general, pointing out his hypocrisy in other areas, like his mismanagement of nursing homes at the height of Covid.

Most people are shocked that Cuomo has yet to step down.

In a press conference earlier today, State Attorney General Letitia James said, “The independent investigation has concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, and in doing so, violated federal and state law. Specifically, the investigation found that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed current and former New York State employees by engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature.”

Several politicians have since called for Cuomo to resign, including Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.