New York’s Attorney General resigned from his job hours after sexual abuse allegations were made public in a New Yorker article. Eric Schneiderman was a public supporter of women’s rights…and even sued Harvey Weinstein on abuse charges.
Longtime political allies of Eric Schneiderman quickly spoke out to condemn the alleged actions he undertook against women or claimed his resignation was necessary, since he’d be ineffective in his job. The allegations from four women arose Monday Night, from an article in the New Yorker, two of whom went public with their names and stories of being hit and even choked. Governor Cuomo addressed the issue during an event at the reconstruction of the Tappan Zee Bridge.
“Almost nothing seems surprising anymore. And having been calloused by everything that’s going on in Washington, this was still deeply shocking and deeply disturbing.”
Cuomo complimented the women who came forward…and credited the Me Too Movement for this and other examples of change.
“We’ve seen it in media; we’ve seen it in corporate; we’ve seen it in film; we’ve seen it in government. I think these women were especially courageous. According to the article they were threatened not to say anything and they came forward anyway.”
The women expressed fear that Schneiderman, in his office, might avoid justice. But Cuomo tried to reassure them with his position on any such case.
“…an investigation by an independent district attorney so there is justice for every woman in every situation. No one is above the law. No one should be afraid to come forward.”
Remember…this is the attorney general that stood up for women’s issues, sued Washington for clean air and water, and just went after the E-P-A to uphold transparency and science in public policy. Locally Republican Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente supported the resignation, saying it was the only decision.
"Women should never have to live in fear of any man. Women should never have to fear retribution from the state’s Attorney General for coming forward to speak out against patterns of repulsive abuse. Women all over New York deserve better," Picente said in a release.
Others in Albany called for a women to be the state’s next AG.
Solicitor General Barbara Underwood automatically becomes the interim Attorney General. She reassures New Yorkers that the office is strong … and that its work will not be interrupted. A replacement will be appointed by the legislature and the post will be contested in this fall’s election.
