Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has initiated legal action against Charlotte Bennett, a former aide who previously accused him of sexual harassment. Cuomo’s defamation lawsuit stems from a statement Bennett and her legal team released after voluntarily dismissing her federal lawsuit against him in December 2024. The statement, which reiterated Bennett’s accusations of sexual harassment, is at the core of Cuomo’s claim, with his legal team arguing it was knowingly false and intended to inflict reputational damage. Cuomo contends that Bennett’s allegations, which contributed to his resignation as governor in 2021, caused significant harm to his personal and professional life.
The notice of claim filed by Cuomo seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged defamation. It points to the widespread dissemination of Bennett’s statement, especially via social media, emphasizing its potential to reach a broad audience and further tarnish Cuomo’s image. The notice highlights the statement’s timing, released shortly after Bennett dropped her lawsuit, and its reiteration of past accusations against Cuomo as factors contributing to its defamatory nature. Cuomo’s legal team argues that Bennett’s statement falsely characterizes their interactions, claiming that she manipulated conversations with the former governor to advance her career.
Bennett’s accusations against Cuomo emerged as part of a wave of sexual harassment allegations that ultimately led to his resignation. While denying the allegations, Cuomo acknowledged his behavior may have been perceived as inappropriate and apologized for any discomfort or pain he caused. He emphasized that he never intentionally crossed a line, attributing his actions to generational and cultural misunderstandings. However, the accusations and subsequent investigation by the New York Attorney General’s office ultimately forced him to step down.
The dismissal of Bennett’s lawsuit in December 2024 came on the eve of her scheduled deposition. Her lawyer, Debra Katz, justified the decision by citing Cuomo’s aggressive discovery tactics, which she described as a deliberate attempt to harass and humiliate Bennett. Katz accused Cuomo of using invasive requests for medical records, including those from Bennett’s minority, to smear her reputation and divert attention from the Attorney General’s conclusion that he had sexually harassed Bennett and other women. Katz also highlighted Cuomo’s previous apologies for his behavior, arguing that they were insincere and part of a broader strategy to evade accountability.
Cuomo’s spokesperson, Richard Azzopardi, welcomed Bennett’s decision to drop the lawsuit, framing it as a concession motivated by a fear of being exposed under oath. He asserted that the evidence, including texts and videos not obtained by the Attorney General’s office, would have refuted Bennett’s claims. Azzopardi further suggested that any settlement paid to Bennett by New York State should be accompanied by the public release of all evidence to demonstrate Cuomo’s innocence.
In response to Cuomo’s notice of claim, Katz dismissed it as meritless and characterized it as a typical tactic employed to silence victims of sexual harassment. She accused Cuomo of using defamation lawsuits to punish those who dare to speak out against him, framing his actions within a broader pattern of silencing accusers. The legal battle between Cuomo and Bennett continues, with both sides firmly entrenched in their respective positions. The case raises complex legal and ethical questions surrounding the balance between protecting individuals from defamation and ensuring that victims of sexual harassment can come forward without fear of retaliation. The outcome will likely have significant implications for future cases involving accusations of sexual misconduct.
