New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced his resignation amid a series of sexual harassment allegations, marking the fall of the 63-year-old politician who once gained fame through his leadership during the coronavirus pandemic.

While noting that he is a "fighter" and that his "instinct is to fight through this controversy," Cuomo acknowledged in a televised address that it would not be in the best interests of the people of his state to do so at a time when the government should dedicate its resources to coping with the pandemic and other pressing issues.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a press conference at One World Trade Center on June 15, 2021 in New York City. (Getty/Kyodo)

"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing," the three-term Democratic governor said, adding, "And therefore, that's what I'll do."

The latest development came a week after New York's attorney general released the results of an investigation finding that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, such as through offensive comments as well as unwelcome and unwanted touching.

"I never would intentionally disrespect a woman, or treat anyone differently than I would want them treated," said Cuomo, a divorced father of three daughters, while also apologizing for offending the women with his "too familiar" behavior and potentially "insensitive" humor.

Cuomo, who took office in January 2011, departs amid scandal after having enjoyed a surge in popularity last year for his response to the pandemic, which included daily press conferences for more than 100 days in a row as New York became the country's hardest-hit state in the early stage of the health crisis.

At the same time, he drew criticism for failing to impose lockdown measures quickly enough to prevent significant virus spread and for allegedly underreporting coronavirus deaths in elderly care facilities in the state.

Since February this year, several women have come forward with sexual harassment allegations against the governor. The accusers include those who have worked with or for Cuomo as well as a guest at the wedding party of one of his senior aides.

Following the conclusion of the nearly five-month investigation into the matter by New York's attorney general, prominent leaders in Cuomo's party including President Joe Biden called on the governor to resign.

Cuomo becomes the state's second elected governor in a row to step down in disgrace after Democrat Eliot Spitzer left office in 2008 amid a prostitution scandal.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, 62, will succeed Cuomo when he leaves office in 14 days and serve out the remainder of the term through the end of 2022. Hochul will become the first woman to hold the office of New York governor.

Cuomo served as chair of the National Governors Association from last August through July this year. His late father Mario Cuomo also served as New York governor from 1983 to 1994.


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NY governor sexually harassed multiple women: state attorney general