Former Cuomo aide alleging sexual harassment sues New York

Charlotte Bennett filed a complaint in state court in Manhattan saying her former employer, the state of New York, is liable for Cuomo's sexual harassment and for the actions of his top aides, who failed to take corrective action once she reported it.

Associated Press

Mar 17, 2023, 1:23 AM

Updated 418 days ago

Share:

A onetime aide to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who accused him of sexual harassment in a federal lawsuit filed a separate lawsuit Wednesday against the state.
Charlotte Bennett filed a complaint in state court in Manhattan saying her former employer, the state of New York, is liable for Cuomo's sexual harassment and for the actions of his top aides, who failed to take corrective action once she reported it.
Bennett already filed a federal lawsuit in September against Cuomo and three top aides. In both suits, she says she was sexually harassed and retaliated against.
Bennett, who turned 25 when she worked for Cuomo, claims he subjected her to invasive questions about her personal life and sexual relationships. He once told her he was "lonely" and wanted a girlfriend who lived in Albany, according to the state lawsuit.
Cuomo has denied the allegations.
When Bennett reported the harassment, top aides to the governor transferred her to a lesser job in health policy instead of taking appropriate measures, she said. She eventually resigned, according to the suit.
"She experienced near-debilitating anxiety, symptoms of depression, and began suffering from a chronic neurological disorder as a direct result of Governor Cuomo's sexual harassment of her and the hasty and disorganized transfer of her to the health policy team," according to the complaint filed Wednesday.
An email seeking comment was sent to the attorney general's office, which defends the state against lawsuits.
In February 2021, Bennett became the second woman to come forward with accusations against Cuomo, playing a critical role in his downfall.
Cuomo resigned that August after the attorney general released the results of an investigation t hat concluded Cuomo had sexually harassed at least 11 women, including Bennett.
Cuomo has denied those allegations and criticized the attorney general's report.


More from News 12
0:59
NYC public school chancellor testifies to Congress over rise in antisemitism in schools

NYC public school chancellor testifies to Congress over rise in antisemitism in schools

2:10
Mild temps to close out week ahead of some weekend rain

Mild temps to close out week ahead of some weekend rain

2:01
Four smoke shops busted in city-wide crackdown on illegal weed shops

Four smoke shops busted in city-wide crackdown on illegal weed shops

0:39
Asian American Federation holds workshop on anti-Asian hate, mental health at Hostos Community College

Asian American Federation holds workshop on anti-Asian hate, mental health at Hostos Community College

0:53
Pay-by-Plate parking meters coming to NYC

Pay-by-Plate parking meters coming to NYC

1:15
FDNY: House fire in Van Nest leaves multiple residents homeless

FDNY: House fire in Van Nest leaves multiple residents homeless

1:56
City efforts Bike Bus initiative to promote safe cycling for students in NYC

City efforts Bike Bus initiative to promote safe cycling for students in NYC

1:49
Historic Bronx post office on Grand Concourse is on the market

Historic Bronx post office on Grand Concourse is on the market

0:45
Police: DOE worker arrested for shoving 2-year-old boy's head into a table at Bronx preschool

Police: DOE worker arrested for shoving 2-year-old boy's head into a table at Bronx preschool

0:39
Police: Unionport store robbed 3 times within a week; suspects at large

Police: Unionport store robbed 3 times within a week; suspects at large

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

0:20
Authorities: 2 women injured in double shooting in Concourse Village

Authorities: 2 women injured in double shooting in Concourse Village

1:43
NYCHA tenant in Melrose dealing with floor falling apart in home

NYCHA tenant in Melrose dealing with floor falling apart in home

1:41
Bronx family pleads for help to find man missing from psychiatric center

Bronx family pleads for help to find man missing from psychiatric center

0:31
Member of Trinitarios gang sentenced to life for murder of Bronx man on Long Island

Member of Trinitarios gang sentenced to life for murder of Bronx man on Long Island

1:47
Bronx Community College over the moon about newest tree planted on campus

Bronx Community College over the moon about newest tree planted on campus

1:44
Bronx County Fair comes to Throggs Neck

Bronx County Fair comes to Throggs Neck

2:14
DSNY clears trash left by homeless encampment in Kingsbridge Heights after multiple complaints

DSNY clears trash left by homeless encampment in Kingsbridge Heights after multiple complaints

0:25
MTA announces new strategy to improve transit infrastructure for B and D train lines

MTA announces new strategy to improve transit infrastructure for B and D train lines

1:41
Gov. Kathy Hochul regrets saying Black kids in the Bronx don't know what a computer is

Gov. Kathy Hochul regrets saying Black kids in the Bronx don't know what a computer is