What's happened
Andrew Cuomo has filed a defamation lawsuit against former aide Charlotte Bennett, claiming her recent statements about sexual harassment are false. This follows Bennett's withdrawal of her federal lawsuit against Cuomo earlier this month. Cuomo seeks damages, asserting that Bennett's claims have harmed his reputation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, Cuomo's filing claims Bennett's statements were 'false and defamatory,' asserting that she intended to harm his reputation. Bennett's attorney, Debra Katz, countered that Cuomo's lawsuit is an attempt to silence harassment victims, stating, 'There is a long history of using defamation lawsuits to silence and punish accusers of sexual harassment.' The Independent notes that Cuomo's filing also criticizes the findings of New York Attorney General Letitia James, calling them 'biased' and 'misleading.' This reflects Cuomo's ongoing strategy to challenge the narrative surrounding his resignation and the allegations against him.
How we got here
Cuomo resigned in 2021 after an investigation found he sexually harassed multiple women, including Bennett. Bennett initially sued Cuomo for harassment but dropped her federal case earlier this month, citing harassment from Cuomo's legal actions.
Common question
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What is the latest on Cuomo's legal battle over harassment accusations?
Andrew Cuomo has recently filed a defamation lawsuit against former aide Charlotte Bennett, reigniting discussions around his past harassment allegations. This legal move comes after Bennett withdrew her federal lawsuit against him. Here’s what you need to know about the details of the case, the parties involved, and the implications of this ongoing legal battle.
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