"I was embarrassed," she said. He has asked if I wanted him to sign a nondisclosure agreement and that was going to, quote unquote, cost me in our marital situation. She said youre crazy and pulled away. (Screenshot). She said that Mr. Cuomo groped her again in November 2020, when she was helping him in his Executive Mansion office. Josh Solomon, a capitol bureau reporter. She told the newspaper that when she first started working in the governors office, a woman who also worked on his staff told her Oh, youre going to get stolen. I just smiled. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple confirmed Saturday that he is investigating a criminal complaint that Cuomo staffer Brittany Commisso filed against the governor. Times Union Article, August 9, 2021:Commisso had told the Times Union in a series of interviews in March and April that the alleged groping incident took place on a workday later that month, possibly around Nov. 25. Note: Rita Glavin had already pointed out that according state records November 16 was the only day in November that Commisso was in the Mansion. As the governor testified, that divorce caused Ms. Commisso to ask for more money and job protections which were not immediately granted and was a source of consternation for Ms. Commisso, but beyond that there was no other involvement or insight into their personal situation., Cuomo meanwhile acknowledged in his own deposition to investigators given July 17 that longtime Albany County Legislator Frank Commisso, the father of Frank Commisso Jr., is a political associate of mine.. Commisso Jr. did not respond to a request for comment. And it unfortunately turned into a nightmare," she said. I remember (thinking), You have to pull yourself together even if you have to sit here for a couple minutes to do that. If I told someone, Im done. Andrew Cuomo's aide, who accused him of groping and kissing her on the lips, has publicly identified herself as Brittany Commisso. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said at a press conference that the accusations made against Cuomo by Commisso could lead to an arrest on misdemeanor charges. November 4, 2021, District Attorney David Soares sent a letter to the Albany City Court calling the complaint the Sheriff unilaterally and inexplicably filed potentially defective and excluded portions of Commissos testimony that were of exculpatory nature. With my right hand, I took the selfie," she said. Commisso said the first time Cuomo groped her was at the mansion on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2019. According to her testimony, the door was open, so she said Youre going to get us in trouble. McGrath lied about these text messages. Testimony according to AG Report:It was around the day she was was tasked with taking a photo of a document. Brittany Commisso began working as an executive assistant in the governor's office in 2017. Not sliding it. Commisso's accusations of increasingly inappropriate advances included Cuomo sneaking his hand down to her butt and rubbing it, during an embrace for a selfie that he suggested they take . I know what happened and so does he," she said. The documentary evidence does not support what she said. In her testimony, Commisso said Cuomo routinely talked about her physical appearance and repeatedly made sexually suggestive comments when she worked with him at the executive mansion in Albany. From this testimony it seems quite obvious that the Governor is along with the couples daughter used as a pawn in their divorce, fight over custody and money. The investigators established the breast groping incident took place on November 16 based on a photo. ", Fabien Levy, a spokesman of the state attorney general, criticized Glavins comments as "unfortunate.". or redistributed. "That is not true. "There's a difference between being an affectionate and warm person. Additionally, on November 25, Cuomo was 225 miles away in Rochester holding a briefing around noon, and then giving out turkeys.The task is now specified as assisting him how to text a note from his iPhone to Benton. She said the first incident occurred. "What he did to me was a crime," Ms Commisso, 32, said about alleged instances of . But . Blackberry PIN messages used by the Protective Services Unit to announce visitors confirmed that Commisso was there on November 16, 2020. After Cuomo and his attorneys responded to the report in a video statement and at a press conference, James and the attorney generals office issued a statement on August 6 saying, After multiple women made accusations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them, the governor, himself, requested that Attorney General James oversee an independent investigation. And I took my coat off. "He broke the law." ", Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said on Saturday that his office will undertake a criminal investigation based on Commisso's complaint. They, therefore, sat down to take the photo below. I then felt while taking the selfie, his hand go down my back onto my butt, and he started rubbing it. Ms. Commissos allegations that Mr. Cuomo groped her and grabbed her breast in the Executive Mansion last year are among the most serious made against him. He then said And I told them I wasnt going to do that scumbag Cuomos dirty work, she recalled. And he said twice I told them and they know. The governor has repeatedly denied that ever took place and quite frankly, when she first raised this in early March, he was stunned.. On March 9, the lawyer contacted the Executive Chamber and said that he planned to file an administrative complaint on her behalf and that Commisso would not pursue the matter criminally. He told her she looked good for her age, suggested she show some leg, and seemed to take issue with her wearing her hair up, the report said. 3 different dates: After the AG report was released on August 3, 2021, Cuomos lawyer presented evidence showing that the alleged incident could have not happened on that date. All rights reserved. She said youre crazy and he stopped. Full video testimony available at OAG website. Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Justice for Cuomo. Acceptance of this disclaimer: You acknowledge that you have read this Disclaimer and agree to all its terms and conditions. This statement was hidden in a footnote of the report. "He broke the law. Commisso has a financial motive, and the timing of her allegations is connected with her divorce and financial issues. https://t.co/W9SGPNSf1S pic.twitter.com/kRulD0ViUD, CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) August 8, 2021. Gerald Leary, divorce attorney for Frank Commisso Jr., said, Mr. She first made her complaint to the attorney generals office in March 2021. 32 year old Brittany Commisso started working as an executive assistant in New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's office in 2017. His actions toward her, she said, made her uncomfortable. Brittany Commisso, una de las 11 mujeres cuyas denuncias de abuso sexual fueron corroboradas por un informe del 3 de agosto del fiscal general del estado, hizo sus primeros comentarios pblicos. Brittany Commisso was identified as "Executive Assistant #1" in James' report accusing Cuomo of sexually harassing 11 women, including current and former state employees, from 2013 to 2020 in. He slammed the door shut and said I dont care (she was thinking about the staff downstairs hearing it). "And, yes, you did. Commisso is a close friend of another accuser, Alyssa McGrath since high school. She is generally described as a bubbly, outgoing person. Cuomo looks understandably as this was the time of holiday events, speeches, and most importantly preparing for the State of the State speech tired and beaten up. Frank J. Commisso Democrat for Mayor Facebook Page, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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You acknowledge that this Disclaimer is a contract between you and the Operator, even though it is electronic and is not physically signed by you, and it governs your use of the Website and Services. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Commisso was not the first woman to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Cuomo, but she is listed first in the attorney general's report. And I said okay Im going back to the office. [] I remember him getting up and going around his desk and I remember thinking to myself, okay, he is going to give me a hug.Page 143: I remember him coming around and it was instantly [] he really pulled me and I remember his hand just sliding right up my blouse. Commisso is one of 11 women accusing Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment in a recent investigation. Ms. Commisso also criticized the governor for saying in his defense that he commonly hugs, kisses and touches people in an effort to put them at ease. "So we sat down on the couch and in the photo I have my arm wrapped around his shoulder, almost as if we were taking a picture with a buddy. Brittany Commisso spoke out for the first time in a pre-taped interview that was previewed on Sunday and aired in part on Monday morning. The 165-page report, in which Ms. Commisso is referred to as Executive Assistant #1, found that Mr. Cuomo harassed 11 women, most of them current or former state employees. In an exclusive interview with @CBSThisMorning & @timesunion, Brittany Commisso, an Executive Assistant at NY Gov. But she claimed that Frank, a former Albany Common Council member who works for the New York State and Local Retirement System, then tried to use the affair claim as a way to get out of paying child support for their daughter allegedly threatening to amend his no-fault divorce filing to one saying she had been unfaithful. Andrew is an American politician, lawyer, and author who is accused of sexually harassing women. The governor has denied all of the accusations and has strongly repudiated the allegations from Ms. Commisso. And I felt as though if I said something that I know, who was going to believe me?, CBS THIS MORNING EXCLUSIVE: The aide who accused NY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, spoke publicly for the first time about her allegations. he had never touched anyone inappropriately. She then confided in certain of her colleagues, who in turn reported her allegations to senior staff in the executive chamber., Cuomos attorney, Rita Glavin, responded to the accusations made in the report by Commisso during a press conference on August 6, saying, What she has alleged is perhaps the most significant allegation made against the governor. Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer, resigned as chairwoman from the women's advocacy group Time's Up after outrage over the disclosure that she had been enlisted by Cuomo's team in an effort to discredit the same accuser DeRosa had targeted. Report by Executive Assistants #2 and #3, March 8, 2021:The Governor pushed her / threw her aginst the wall, put his hand under his shirt, touched her breast and kissed her. Was it buttoned up? The next day, March 7, Commisso met with EA#2 and EA#3 and retained a personal injury lawyer, which indicates she was looking for a monetary award in a civil lawsuit. Brittany Commisso was born in the United States of America in 1989 to their parents. He has spent 40 years in public life and for him to all of the sudden be accused of a sexual assault of an executive assistant that he really doesnt know, doesnt pass muster., CBS THIS MORNING EXCLUSIVE: Aide who accused Cuomo of groping speaks publicly for first time, alleging "when he went to go kiss me on the cheek, he quickly turns his head & he kissed me on the lips." She graduated from SUNY Albany with a degree in political science and government. When she reached his office on the 2nd floor, he came out from his desk and began groping her. Education of Brittany Commisso She has completed high school. As a result, I am currently 32 years old. She asked for a raise and more overtime hours on weekends. "He came back to me and that's when he put his hand up my blouse and cupped my breast over my bra," she said. I remember just being told to go in there and literally take whatever he had on his notes app and to put it into his text messages and send it to Stephanie. She also claims that Cuomo said things like she looked good for [her] age and [for] being a mother, Its about time that you showed some leg, If you were single, the things I would do to you. Around November 2019, when she started to assist Mr. Cuomo at the Executive Mansion, the governor would comment on her appearance, the attorney generals report said. Finally, after asking about details of her blouse, they stop saying its fine before she can make it worse and omit this whole crucial part of her testimony and the fact that she wore a coat completely. "I almost feel like he has this sense of almost a celebrity status and it just that was the tipping point. Thats fine. "I'm a former federal prosecutor and I know the difference between putting a case together against a target, versus doing independent fact-finding with an open mind," Glavin said. Im, like, swearing in my mind. "And there has been no open-minded fact-finding in this case. According to the New York state record; the married couple is currently going through a contested divorce, apparently. Commisso claims Cuomo told her to send the picture to McGrath but not to share it with anyone else. He posed for [the] photograph with his hands firmly around both womens ribcages, just below their breasts (in other words, their waists, the normal place for a hand in pictures such as these). She has also accused Cuomo of reaching under her blouse to grope her breast during an incident at the Executive Mansion in Albany last year. Cuomo testified that he did hug her, but that she was the initiator, and he went along to avoid her feeling awkwardly. Commisso, who is 32, has a 6-year-old daughter and is in divorce proceedings with her husband, who once ran for mayor of Albany, said Cuomo groped her twice. The two stood next to each other, she said. "I was afraid that if I had come forward, and revealed my name, that the governor and his 'enablers' I like to call them would viciously attack me, would smear my name as I had seen and heard them do before to people," she said. The attorney generals report said that Ms. Commisso did not recall the exact date that she said Mr. Cuomo groped her but that it was around Nov. 16. It was not welcomed, and it was certainly not consensual.. Commisso, as far as I know, has had no communication with anyone in the executive chamber or any allies of governor Cuomo.. Brittany Commisso reported Cuomo to the Albany County sheriff's office last week, days after an investigation by the state attorney general's office found she was among 11 women whom the . The Truth Will Be Out. Early Life Brittany Commisso was born on August 13, 1988 in Albany, New York, USA. They denied the raise and made no other promises. ", Commisso said that she filed a criminal complaint because "it was the right thing to do. And what is disturbing to me is that the two investigators did not show that evidence to you. She then became visibly emotional and told two other assistants (#2 and #3) about inappropriate conversations with the Governor and that he had touched her.. Not, you know, quickly brushing over it rubbing my butt.". He then came out from behind his desk and began groping her.Note: As per Rita Glavins Submission from October 20, 2021, records show that no call was made as Commisso claims after sending the text. If he was doing anything inappropriate, he would not leave a photo of it as evidence on the phone of his victim. Andrew Cuomo has identified herself as Brittany Commisso a married mom of one who joined the governors team in 2017. Where I said, are you saying that youre been speaking with the Cuomo people and I think he catches himself and immediately says, I never said that. During the interview, Ms. Commisso described in more detail an incident described in the report in which she said that Mr. Cuomo touched her inappropriately while the two were taking a photo. Brittany Commisso C reported rate of pay was $62,000 according to public records. Her interview with the news show and newspaper comes almost a week after Attorney General Letitia James released the report into sexual misconduct and sexual harassment accusations against Cuomo, a Democrat who has been New Yorks governor since 2011. (AG report p. 17-18). While working on his State of the State speech, she said Cuomo asked her to take a selfie.. On page 190 Commisso also testified that she is not getting child support from her husband. Glavin said, I did what any investigator would do, which I reconstructed the events of that day (November 16, 2020). The couple tied the knots in 2016, at their native in Albany, with close people as attendees. Content and postings: You may print or copy any part of the Website and Services for your personal or non-commercial use. And I thought to myself, that probably wasn't the best thing to say," Commisso said. delta you must specify a test script. She said as they were posing for the photo, Cuomo moved his hand to grab her butt cheek and then rubbed it for "at least five seconds.". She and the investigators realize that this makes her story even more incredible, and Commisso is led (unsuccessfully) by the investigators in an attempt to fix it and make the narrative work. Ms. Glavin has also suggested that Ms. Commisso was not alone with the governor at the Executive Mansion on the day in question and was sent there for different reasons than she has told investigators and journalists. This salary is 7 percent lower than average and 21 percent higher than median salary in Executive Chamber. assistant mingle mamas, inquiring multiple times about whether she had cheated or would cheat on her husband and asking her to help find him a girlfriend., The report states, These offensive interactions, among others, culminated in an incident at the executive mansion in November 2020 when the governor, during another close hug with Executive Assistant #1, reached under her blouse and grabbed her breast. And in November 2020, she said she and the governor were alone in his office at the executive mansion when he slid his hand up her blouse and grabbed her breast over her bra. During her testimony, the investigators discuss the issue with her in detail and try to lead her to resolve this discrepancy. Brittany Commisso is the former executive assistant accusing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct. Commisso has said she initially kept silent about Cuomos alleged gross behavior because she feared retribution from his staff and because she wanted to protect her daughter. And if that's what he has to say to make himself feel better, I really, I feel sorry for him. She was identified only as "Executive Assistant. None of this is evidence of any wrongdoing on Cuomos side. Commisso stated she thought he wanted to make McGrath jealous to see her reaction. It is the first time she has been named publicly. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. She added: I in no way, shape or form invited that nor did I ask for it. The report fails to mention that Commisso wore a long winter coat while allegedly being groped. You took your coat off? Commisso, now 32, alleges that the governor groped her for the first time on December 31, 2019. I really don't know how to explain the moment. Mr. Cuomos lawyer, Rita Glavin, reiterated those comments in an interview with MSNBC on Monday, hours after Ms. Commissos interview was broadcast. Commisso Jr., also a Democrat, unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Albany in 2017. Cuomo could face a couple of misdemeanor charges based on Commissos allegations, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said Saturday. Brittany Commisso, who was previously only identified as "Executive Assistant #1," has accused Cuomo of multiple instances of sexual harassment and told CBS's "This Morning" and the Albany Times . Furthermore, Commisso did not agree to an interview with the Albany Police Department. He kissed one on the forehead, one on the cheek. '", "It happened so quick, he didn't say anything. "The independent investigators selected are widely respected professionals, recognized for their legal and investigatory ability. Cuomo to resign gains momentum among notable Democrats, Gavin Newsom loves bashing Texas; here's what Texas Republicans have to say about that, Presidential candidate Nikki Haley heckled by Trump supporters at CPAC: 'We love Trump! Anyone can read what you share. "Not only embarrassed for what was going on, I was embarrassed that a governor wanted a selfie and I couldn't take it. She accuses him of groping her. And he said, 'Oh, those aren't those aren't good.'". While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained on the Website is correct, the Operator is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Do you need anything. Rita Glavin, an attorney for the governor,said Fridaythat emails allegedly undermining Commissos story were not included in James' investigation. Brittany Commisso, who was identified only as "Executive Assistant #1" in the AG's report, came forward in an interview with CBS This Morning and the Albany Times Union, days after she filed a criminal complaint against Cuomo with the Albany County Sheriff's Office. Commisso also brushed aside the governor's suggestion that his accusers were misinterpreting his actions. At this moment, I dont know what to say I dont know what to do. There are no witnesses, no evidence, and she never mentioned it to anyone, including her best friend until March 3, 2021. More Monday at 7a, only on CBS. "I hope that the other women understand and that I've seen them and I support them. Her estranged husband and his family are involved in Democratic politics in the Albany area. On March 3, 2021, Commisso started her allegations, after she and her coworkers watched Cuomos press conference when he said he never touched any woman inappropriately. Commisso was married in 2016 to former Albany Common Council member Frank Commisso Jr., the son of Albany County Legislator Frank Commisso Sr., a Democrat. Rita Glavin, Cuomos lawyer, in a letter last month demanding that Albany Sheriff Craig Apple, preserve all records in the criminal probe, asked that any communications involving Commisso and his son be retained. He's lying and I felt that he was personally saying it to me." Commisso has filed a criminal complaint against Cuomo with the Albany County Sherriff's office, saying "The Governor needs to be held accountable. Commisso told investigators she was too scared of losing her job to speak out against Cuomo at the time. And I remember looking down and I remember seeing his hand [] over my bra [] this just like went from zero to 60 in .2 seconds. First published on August 9, 2021 / 6:30 AM. Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct, suggested to investigators that allies of the disgraced politician tried to meddle in her divorce proceedings in a brazen attempt to discredit her, according to disturbing new transcripts released this week. Brittany Commisso speaks out about allegations against Cuomo, Brittany Commisso says hugs, kisses from Cuomo were "not normal" and "not welcomed", Cuomo "needs professional help," accuser Brittany Commisso says, London police apologize as officer admits to dozens of rapes, Kevin Spacey pleads not guilty to 7 sexual assault charges in London, Writer files upgraded lawsuit alleging Trump "forcibly raped" her. Cuomo testified that he does not like to take selfies. Brittany Commisso C in 2019 was employed in Executive Chamber and had annual salary of $65,220 according to public records. His Twitter profile from the campaign shows the couple working together on election night. It was untucked.Q. By accessing and using the Website and Services you agree to be bound by this Disclaimer. A selfie taken by Brittany Commisso with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. She is one of the accusers of Andrew Cuomo who works as the governor of New York since 2011. Three days later, on March 6, 2021 (a Saturday), Commisso was on duty for the weekend shift, but Stephanie Benton called another assistant to the Executive Mansion to work that day. Let me be clear, he said Tuesday. Andrew Cuomoof sexual assault in state Attorney General Letitia James explosive report last week revealed her identity in a new interview, saying the Democratic governor "broke the law" and must be held accountable. On August 5, Brittany Commisso filed a criminal complaint at the Sheriffs Office (instead of the Police Department), 10 days before she had her next court date regarding her divorce. If you do not agree to abide by the terms of this Disclaimer, you are not authorized to access or use the Website and Services. Most notable is Stephanie Bentons testimony: Commisso told Cuomo in or around November that because she was going through a divorce she needed a different work schedule. McGraths response: Um where is my pic!! We've received your submission. Last week, she sought to repudiate Ms. Commissos account by providing a detailed, alternate timeline of what happened on Nov. 16. Andrew Cuomo to resign and the impact of the governor's conduct on the Democratic Party. Any suggestion that attempts to undermine the credibility of these women or this investigation is unfortunate., Anne Clark: Meet the Lawyer Who Led the Cuomo Sexual Harassment Investigation, Brittany Commisso: Cuomo Executive Assistant #1 Speaks Out Publicly, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved.