Griffo statement on Attorney General report

“Sexual harassment should not be tolerated in any form, and I want to reiterate that the women who have made these allegations should be respected.

I am in the process of reviewing the Attorney General’s extensive 165-page report. However, an initial review of the report highlights an alarming, troubling and disappointing pattern of judgement and behavior by the Governor. His behavior and the toxic work environment that has been chronicled befits a tabloid newspaper or a reality television program – not the New York’s Executive Chamber and state government.

The Governor prided himself on being the architect of the state’s sexual harassment policy, previously tweeting that ‘There should be a zero tolerance policy when it comes to sexual harassment & must send a clear message that this behavior is not tolerated.’ It appears the administration is indifferent to and/or ignored its own policy. 

It is time for the individuals, organizations and groups who have made fighting sexual harassment a priority, along with Democrat leadership, to raise their voices, as some are beginning to do and let the public know that this inappropriate behavior will not and should not be tolerated. We also look to these organizations and individuals to act appropriately and to take appropriate action given what was presented today by the Attorney General, the state’s highest law enforcement official.

Further, the Assembly must now step up and stop dragging its feet. The Speaker must allow and the Assembly must expedite its review of Governor’s actions.

Despite the Governor indicating to the contrary, this report and other ongoing investigations will continue to present a distraction at a time when we need to focus on the critical and important issues affecting our state. His political allies and partners in government have expressed no confidence in him continuing in his position. Accordingly, and to reiterate what I have said since the onset of this issue, the Governor needs to step down.”