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Andrew Cuomo’s top aide Melissa DeRosa has resigned following a report by the state attorney general that the embattled New York governor sexually abused 11 women.
DeRosa, secretary to the governor, was named in the report for attempts to cover up Cuomo’s actions and retaliate against one of his accusers. The widening harassment scandal could see the governor being impeached without his top aide beside him.
“Personally, the past two years have been emotionally and mentally trying. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such talented colleagues on behalf of our state,” DeRosa said in a statement.
She did not give any other specific reason for her resignation.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such talented and committed colleagues on behalf of our state,” she said.
Prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation after the August 3 report concluded that Cuomo sexually abused 11 women, including current and former state employees, in violation of the law.
The report depicted a “toxic” workplace environment under Cuomo, which allowed the governor’s behavior to go overlooked.
DeRosa’s resignation comes as the state Assembly’s Judiciary Committee is expected to convene to lay out a timeline for Cuomo’s potential impeachment.
The 38-year-old has been a fierce defender of Cuomo when he faced public criticism. She came under fire for her role in the administration’s underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes last year.
DeRosa had been with the Cuomo administration since 2013 and held the highest-ranking appointed position in New York.
Cuomo, who is facing growing calls to resign, has denied any wrongdoing, saying last week that he “never abused anyone sexually or made inappropriate sexual advances.”
