Brittany Commisso, a former aide to Cuomo, settles sexual harassment lawsuit for 0,000.

New York State has reached a settlement agreement involving a payment of 0,000 to Brittany Commisso, a former aide to ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has accused him of groping and persistent sexual harassment during her tenure in Albany. The settlement was confirmed on Friday and forms part of a lawsuit filed by Commisso under the Adult Survivors Act in November 2023.

Commisso’s legal representatives characterized the financial settlement as a significant validation of her allegations against Cuomo, which were substantiated by the findings of multiple independent investigations. These investigations, conducted by the New York Attorney General, the State Assembly, and the U.S. Department of Justice, collectively determined that Cuomo had engaged in unwanted sexual advances towards Commisso during her employment.

It is important to note that the settlement does not entail any admission of liability from the state or Cuomo. The legal teams representing Commisso conveyed that she is relieved to have had the opportunity to present her truth, allowing her to move on with her life following the distressing events.

Cuomo, who is currently a candidate for the mayoralty of New York City, has consistently refuted the allegations against him. His attorneys expressed disapproval of the settlement, claiming it represents a failure to confront the truth rather than a true vindication of Commisso’s claims. They further contended that the settlement was motivated by a desire to preempt potentially damaging depositions.

Commisso was one of the eleven women whose allegations of sexual harassment against Cuomo played a significant role in his resignation in August 2021. In her legal filing with the New York State Supreme Court, she detailed instances of unwanted physical contact, including instances where Cuomo allegedly hugged and kissed her, pressed his body against hers, and inappropriately touched her.

Moreover, Commisso claimed that her career suffered following her rejection of Cuomo’s advances and her decision to report his behavior. She alleged that she was subsequently demoted and reassigned to a lesser role under then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

In response to the settlement, Cuomo’s legal team suggested that it was reached hurriedly and indicated that they opposed the dismissal of Commisso’s lawsuit. They asserted that transparency regarding the evidence is necessary for the public good.

Commisso’s attorneys defended the decision to settle, indicating confidence in her potential success at trial but acknowledging the appeal of the settlement offered by the state. They encouraged a societal shift away from enabling offenders like Cuomo.

As developments unfold, the response from Governor Hochul’s representatives remains pending. This situation continues to draw significant public interest as it intersects with broader discussions about workplace harassment and accountability in politics.