Cuomo Accuser Blasts Attempted Apology, ‘predatory Behavior’

NEW YORK — A former aide accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment condemned him Monday as a manipulative predator, rejecting an attempted apology in which he excused his behavior as “playful.” Charlotte Bennett, who alleges Cuomo quizzed her about her sex life and asked whether she would be open to a relationship with an older man, said in a statement that the governor has “refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for his predatory behavior.” “As we know, abusers — particularly those with tremendous amounts of power — are often repeat offenders who engage in manipulative tactics to diminish allegations, blame victims, deny wrongdoing and escape consequences,” wrote Bennett. “It took (Cuomo) 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation,” she added.