A former staffer who accused ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment has withdrawn her federal lawsuit against him, according to court records. The voluntary notice of dismissal without prejudice was filed by attorneys for Charlotte Bennett, who had filed suit against Cuomo in 2022.
Bennett's attorney, Debra Katz, stated that Bennett dropped her lawsuit on the eve of her deposition. In response, a representative for Cuomo praised Bennett's decision, claiming her claims had falsely smeared the former governor for years.
Cuomo's representative further mentioned that Bennett's withdrawal was a desperate attempt to avoid being confronted with evidence that refuted her claims. The statement emphasized that Cuomo had never sexually harassed anyone.
In a released statement, Bennett's attorneys explained that they dismissed the case to end Cuomo's continued harassment of their client. They mentioned that Bennett would continue seeking justice through a Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit against New York State.
The lawsuit detailed instances where Cuomo allegedly subjected Bennett to sexualized comments, assigned her demeaning tasks, and asked invasive questions about her personal life. Bennett also claimed that Cuomo made sexual advances towards her during a discussion on police reform.
The lawsuit further alleged that Cuomo's former Chief of Staff, Secretary, and Special Counsel aided and abetted the harassment. Bennett reported experiencing anxiety, depression, and a chronic neurological disorder as a result of Cuomo's actions.
Bennett expressed that her career as a public servant was impacted due to the harassment and retaliation she faced after complaining about Cuomo's misconduct. She emphasized the need for accountability for all involved.
Despite dropping the federal lawsuit, Bennett's legal team remains committed to seeking justice for her and others who have faced similar situations. The case highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace.
