Melissa DeRosa, chief assistant to the governor of New York, announced on Sunday that she was resigning from her position. DeRosa’s decision to quit her job was made while her boss, Andrew Cuomo, who is accused of sexual harassment, faces impeachment and is called on to step down. American media has highlighted DeRosa’s alleged involvement in covering up Cuomo’s crimes.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of New York City in the past ten years. The resilience, strength and optimism of New Yorkers in the most difficult times inspired me every day. (…) I am eternally grateful to be able to work with such talented and committed colleagues on behalf of our state. “- DeRosa said, quoted by the American media.
Trusted Assistant to Governor Cuomo
DeRosa, 38, was one of the most trusted associates of Cuomo, a member of the Democratic Party. Participated, inter alia, in its daily televised press conferences on the fight against COVID-19. At the request of the governor of New York, she often spoke about some aspects of the battle against the pandemic.
Andrew Cuomo and Melissa DeRosaLev Radin / Pacific Press / LightRocket via Getty Images
The New York Times calculated that DeRosa was involved in framing the governor’s policy priorities, including setting the state’s minimum wage of $ 15 an hour and paid family leaves. As chairman of the New York State Women’s Council, she dealt with maternity issues. She also helped in carrying out actions against one of his accusers.
The report “painted an unflattering picture of DeRosa”
Last week, an Albany sheriff’s office worker brought a criminal case against Governor Cuomo. She is one of the women whose allegations of sexual harassment were mentioned in a report by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The document contains complaints from 11 women who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment. Its content was announced by the James office.
Cuomo denies that he behaved inappropriately. In his opinion, some of the women may have misinterpreted his hugs, kisses on the cheek or jokes as inappropriate.
Andrew CuomoShutterstock
In the 168-page report, DeRosy’s name appears 187 times. “The report found that DeRosa spearheaded efforts to retaliate against one of the women who publicly disclosed her allegations in December. Her resignation came at a time when Cuomo (…) faced impeachment and calls to step down. in connection with the report, “the New York Times wrote.
“The Attorney General’s report paints an unflattering picture of DeRosa and her role in creating a toxic workplace and attacking the credibility of Lindsey Boylan, a former economic development official who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment in December,” the NYT reported.
Main photo source: Lev Radin / Pacific Press / LightRocket via Getty Images