Newly revealed video footage has emerged in the case of former staffer Charlotte Bennett, who accused ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment. The footage, filmed by Bennett herself in January 2020, shows her praising Cuomo and describing him as “so amazing” and a “wonderful person.” Cuomo’s attorneys argue that this contradicts Bennett’s claims and undermines her credibility.
In the video, Bennett can be seen driving in a car and discussing her discussions and relationship with Cuomo at the time. She recalls a deep heart-to-heart conversation with him, where they sat together in casual clothing. Bennett initially had doubts about Cuomo’s ability to have such a conversation, but she describes him as “amazing” and a “wonderful person that I can get along with.”
The footage, which was first reported by the Albany Times Union, surfaced as part of the discovery process in the ongoing legal case. However, Cuomo’s camp claims that it was not included in the state Attorney General Letitia James’s investigation, which concluded that Cuomo had harassed or committed misconduct against multiple women, including Bennett. The damning report released in August 2021 led to Cuomo’s resignation, although he continued to deny any wrongdoing.
Cuomo’s legal team argues that the new video evidence damages Bennett’s credibility and undermines her case. They claim that Bennett spun a false narrative about her time in the executive chamber, including allegations that Cuomo made her uncomfortable and pressured her into discussing her alleged sexual assault experiences. Cuomo’s attorney, Theresa Trzaskoma, stated in a letter to Judge Sarah Cave that these allegations are not true and that it was Bennett who deliberately engaged in discussions with Cuomo.
Trzaskoma further alleges that Bennett’s perception of Cuomo changed after she spoke to another staffer, Lindsey Boylan, who also accused Cuomo of harassment. Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, argues that this new evidence undermines the credibility of AG James’s report, suggesting that it was politically motivated.
The Post reached out to Bennett’s lawyer for comment, while AG James’s office declined to provide a statement.
