New York’s Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo used campaign funds to pay the attorney representing him in a sexual harassment case, despite previously saying he would use state financing to pay the legal fees.
Former Cuomo aide Lindsey Boylan, who was among the first of dozens of female staffers to accuse the Democratic governor of sexually harassing her, slammed Cuomo for deliberately lying to New Yorkers once again:
*pretends to be shocked* https://t.co/8GwXgwqyGl
— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) July 16, 2021
Cuomo’s reelection campaign paid Glavin PLLC $111,774 on May 3 and $173,098 on June 2, according to financial disclosures released by New York’s Board of Elections on Friday.
It was on June 2 that Cuomo told reporters he would use taxpayer funding instead of his campaign finances to pay for his legal defense.
“The way it works is the Executive Chamber has retained a counsel, and that is a state expense, [as] it has been in every investigation, so that’s where we are now,” he said on June 2.
Asked specifically whether he was paying any other lawyers out of pocket or with campaign funds, Cuomo said, “Not at this time.”
It was estimated that Cuomo’s legal fees could cost New York taxpayers up to $2.5 million.
New York law allows politicians to use campaign funds for legal fees, according to the New York Post.
Cuomo is currently facing two statewide investigations, one of which is being led by New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office. Cuomo will face questions from James’s lawyers later this year.
Debra Katz, the attorney for another Cuomo accuser, Charlotte Bennett, said the questioning will make sure the truth is revealed.
“He will not be able to deflect questions like he has at his press conference, and he will not be able to play with words,” Katz said in a statement.
“Will he admit to his inappropriate behavior, or will he continue his ridiculous lies and victim-blaming?” she continued. “Which story will he tell this time?”
