NY AG releases final independent investigation transcripts into former Gov. Cuomo
Albany, NY (WRGB) — Attorney General Letitia James has issued a final release of transcripts and evidence related to the sexual harassment investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
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The new release includes messages that show the staffers trying to manage the public relations nightmare, and video testimony from the former governor's brother, former CNN Anchor Chris Cuomo, who ended up losing his job for trying to help his brother keep his job as New York governor.
I absolutely deleted text messages which is my practice,” Cuomo said.
At the time of the interrogation, Chris Cuomo was still a TV news anchor at CNN. He's seen being grilled by attorney general investigators about his role in handling the sexual harassment scandal around his brother, who at that time was still Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Investigator: It is fair to say that in those instances they were looking for your expertise in communications.
Cuomo: Maybe.
Investigator: How did you view your role?
Cuomo: I’m the governor's brother.
Investigator: Did you view this as providing guidance, counsel, or advice?
Cuomo: Generally.
In another part of the video testimony, investigators ask Cuomo about deleted messages between himself and the governor’s staff. Cuomo says that he had a practice of deleting correspondence for fear hackers could potentially expose sources he spoke to as a journalist.
Investigator: You delete your text messages, so do you remember having text messages with Ms. Derosa, Mr. Pollack or Lis Smith about the statements that were being drafted?
Cuomo: Not specifically, but I do acknowledge that this is my phone and these messages were sent to me.
The testimony and messages between Chris Cuomo and the governor's staff released in November as a part of the AG's findings led to his eventual firing from CNN in December. At the time CNN said in a statement "new information came to light" that led to Cuomo's termination.
The new data release also includes testimony from Andrew Cuomo's spokesman Rich Azzopardi.
Investigator: “Have you heard the governor in your view bully anyone?
Azzopardi: “I don't believe he’s a bully.”
Azzopardi, a loyal Cuomo supporter, has fiercely defended the former governor against harassment allegations from 11 women.
Investigator: “Have you seen anyone sitting on his lap?”
Azzopardi: “No.”
Also revealed in Thursday’s release, concerning communication between Cuomo staffers who were handling the PR scandal surrounding Cuomo.
Investigator: “Did the governor every use curse words toward you?”
Josh Vlasto: Yes.
In one exchange former aide Josh Vlasto seen on a video transcript, answers a question in a group exchange about the sexual harassment scandal involving Cuomo's former aide Brittany Commisso who accused Cuomo of groping her breast.
In the exchange an unnamed person writes, “Is the groping stuff all bs?”
To which Vlasto replies, “Depends how you define bs. Under the shirt is legit.”
Messages from Vlasto also point to a toxic work environment during his time in the executive chamber. He explains the governor’s behavior toward staffers on video.
“It was in one of those moments of he was really frustrated by something going on and he wanted to let off a little steam,” Vlasto said.
Former Governor Cuomo has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. In an interview with WAMC radio Thursday, his attorney Rita Glavin says she is prepared to "vigorously defend" him against any civil claims that may come forward.
All the transcripts and testimonials can be found here:
Peter Ajemian
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Rich Azzopardi
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Andrew Ball
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Rich Bamberger
Stephanie Benton
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Steve Cohen
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Chris Cuomo
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Alphonso David
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Jill DesRosiers
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
David Dively
Beth Garvey
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Linda Lacewell
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Dani Lever
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Judy Mogul
- Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Maggie Moran
John Maggiore
Matt McGrath
Harold Moore
Jefrey Pollock
Larry Schwartz
Lis Smith
Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Staffer # 5
Vincent Straface
Anonymous Staffer
Josh Vlasto
Michael Volforte
Annabel Walsh
Video Testimony (Transcript and Exhibits previously released)
Howard Zemsky
Transcripts and exhibits previously released can be found on the OAG website.