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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There has been an odd twist to the charges of sexual harassment being brought against Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He met his latest accuser at the wedding of one of his top aides, and the aide’s wife is standing foursquare against the governor.
Gareth Rhodes must feel like he’s caught between a rock and a hard place — or in this case between his boss and his wife.
Cuomo’s latest accuser, Anna Ruch, was a guest at Rhodes’ wedding. She is not a state employee, CBS2’s Marcia Kramer reported Tuesday.
READ MORE: Third Accuser Reportedly Comes Forward, Says Gov. Cuomo Acted Inappropriately At 2019 Wedding
She told the New York Times that first, Cuomo, touched her bare lower back — and she moved his hand away. She then says he placed his hand on her face and asked to kiss her. Ruch says she pulled away, but apparently not before he kissed her cheek.
Rhodes’ wife, Alexa Kissinger, is taking sides — and it’s not the governor’s. She tweeted, in part, “I am so proud of Anna for sharing her story. This pattern of behavior is completely unacceptable.”
“I didn’t have a choice in his physical dominance over me at that moment. And that’s what infuriates me.”
I’m so proud of Anna for sharing her story. This pattern of behavior is completely unacceptable. https://t.co/dgD9xz1CK4
— Alexa Kissinger (@AlexaMKissinger) March 2, 2021
Kissinger also shared Anna’s story on Instagram.
That came as there was continued silence from the governor’s office. It has been government by press release — COVID-19 and vaccine updates and an announcement of millions to buy surplus New York state agriculture products to feed the hungry.
Mayor Bill de Blasio was asked if the governor’s decision to go into hiding is hurting the city’s ability to partner with the state to fight the pandemic.
“I think all leaders have to answer tough questions from the media regardless of whether it’s convenient. The fact is the work we have to do right now is what matters, but in COVID, bringing the city back, bringing the state back,” de Blasio said.
READ MORE: Gov. Cuomo Agrees To Attorney General James’ Demand For Legal Referral To Investigate Sexual Harassment Allegations
READ MORE: Who Is Cuomo’s Possible Successor, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul?
Meanwhile, Jay Jacobs, the head of the state Democratic Party, called on New Yorkers — Democrats and Republicans alike — not to pre-judge the case until it’s fully investigated.
“Now that the independent investigation has been referred to the attorney general and is being commenced, it is both premature and unfair for anyone to opine on the outcome until that investigation is completed,” Jacobs said in a statement.
So far, that hasn’t stopped a number of people from piling on and demanding the governor’s resignation.
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