Accusers say they are 'vindicated' by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's resignation

Four of the 11 women who have accused Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of sexual harassment expressed vindication Tuesday after the governor announced he would resign.

A 165-page report issued last week by Attorney General Letitia James concluded Cuomo sexually harassed the women, violating multiple state and federal laws. Cuomo has denied the allegations.

A third-term Democrat, Cuomo announced Tuesday that the allegations had become a distraction and he would step aside in 14 days.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will complete the more than 16 months remaining in Cuomo’s term.

The report identified six of Cuomo's accusers by name. The others were identified by their first name or job titles at the time. A seventh woman, Brittany Commisso, referred in the report as Executive Assistant 1, publicly identified herself this week.

Four of the seven women commented on the governor's resignation in statements, either their own, or through an attorney. Three were not available for comment.

Lindsey Boylan

A former Cuomo aide, Boylan's allegations that the governor harassed her became one of the catalysts of the investigation.

Boylan, 37, who worked as a deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to Cuomo, accused the governor of attempting to kiss her without consent and suggesting they play strip poker aboard his state-owned jet.

The AG's report found that Cuomo's top aides sought to discredit Boylan by disseminating her personnel files to reporters.

In a statement Tuesday, Boylan said:

"From the beginning, I simply asked that the Governor stop his abusive behavior. It became abundantly clear he was unable to do that, instead attacking and blaming victims until the end. It is a tragedy that so many stood by and watched these abuses happen."

Charlotte Bennett

Bennett, a former executive assistant and health policy aide in the governor’s office, accused Cuomo of making repeated sexual overtures. She told investigators Cuomo asked intimate questions about tattoos, piercings and if she ever had sex with older men.

A sexual assault survivor, Bennett informed Cuomo that she was uncomfortable with the comments, the report said.

Bennett, 25, has previously said she felt the governor was grooming her for a sexual relationship.

In a statement, Bennett's attorney, Debra Katz said:

"The Governor’s decision to resign is a testament to the growing power of women’s voices since the beginning of the #MeToo movement. It underscores that sexual harassment is no longer acceptable — no matter what office the harasser holds. When Lindsey Boylan first publicly accused Gov. Cuomo of sexually harassing her, the Governor’s well-oiled political machine worked overtime to discredit her. Our client, Charlotte Bennett, was not willing to sit idly by while the governor smeared Lindsey in the press. She knew that Lindsey was telling the truth because the governor also sexually harassed her."

Alyssa McGrath and Virginia Limmiatis

McGrath, 33, a former executive assistant in the governor’s office, said Cuomo asked about her personal life, including her marital status and divorce, and is one of two aides he reportedly referred to as "mingle mamas."

Limmiatis, a spokeswoman for National Grid, told investigators Cuomo inappropriately touched her breasts at a public event.

In a statement, Mariann Wang, an attorney representing McGrath and Limmiatis, said:

"My clients feel both vindicated and relieved that Cuomo will no longer be in a position of power over anyone. His efforts, through his paid attorney, over the last few days, to gaslight and attack the brave women who came forward, apparently served no purpose. Ms. McGrath and Ms. Limmiatis remain grateful that their voices and experiences were heard and substantiated by the AG's investigators."

Brittany Commisso

Commisso, 32, who alleged Cuomo groped her buttocks and breasts at the Executive Mansion more than once, filed a criminal complaint against him with the Albany County Sheriff's Department. Commisso's attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

Ana Liss

Liss, who worked as an aide in the Executive Chamber, said Cuomo addressed her as "sweetheart" or "darling," kissed her on the cheeks and hand and slid his hand around her lower waist. Liss, 35, did not respond to requests for comment.

Anna Ruch

Ruch, 33, told investigators Cuomo approached her at a wedding for one of the governor's aides in 2019 and put his hand on her bare back, clasped her cheeks and attempted to kiss her. Efforts to reach Ruch were unsuccessful.

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.