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Cuomo Signals Defamation Suit Against His Accuser Bennett

Cuomo Signals Defamation Suit Against His Accuser Bennett

Former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo is considering a defamation lawsuit against Charlotte Bennett, a sexual harassment accuser, after her dismissal of a federal case against him and the state's $450,000 settlement.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is poised to embark on a legal battle against Charlotte Bennett, one of the women who accused him of sexual harassment. This development follows Bennett's voluntary withdrawal of her federal lawsuit against Cuomo in December. The potential defamation lawsuit was signaled through court papers filed by Cuomo's attorneys, Theresa Trzaskoma and Rita Glavin. The legal documents claim that Bennett has continued to make false and defamatory statements against the ex-governor and specifically reference a reposted tweet that reached over 90,000 views, which they assert Bennett knew was misleading and intended to damage Cuomo's reputation.

The controversy arrives amid reports that New York State has reached a $450,000 settlement with Bennett over her allegations that the state did not adequately protect her from harassment. This settlement is a fraction of the more than $9 million spent defending Cuomo and the state against claims brought forward by Bennett. Cuomo's legal team has criticized an investigative report by State Attorney General Letitia James, which found Cuomo had acted inappropriately towards 11 women, including Bennett and a state trooper, labeling the report as a "hit job" and contending that the accusations have not been substantiated in civil or criminal court.

In a court filing, Cuomo's lawyers stated, "Despite Bennett’s gamesmanship in withdrawing her federal lawsuit before she was required to admit under oath that she had lied about her interactions with Governor Cuomo, Governor Cuomo fully intends to clear his name and to ensure that Bennett and her agents never again repeat the falsehood that he sexually harassed Bennett." This stance appears at odds with Cuomo’s own apology in February 2021 where he admitted to making people feel uncomfortable, though he stated it was unintentional.

The threat of legal action comes as New York legislators consider bills to make it tougher for accused sexual harassers to sue their alleged victims for defamation. The proposed Speak Your Truth Act, for example, would require accusers who lose defamation cases to pay all legal expenses of defendants, a measure already enacted in California and under consideration in 15 other states. Another bill seeks to safeguard alleged victims of employment discrimination, including harassment, from libel or defamation suits after filing internal complaints. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes criticized Cuomo's potential lawsuit as a tactic to silence victims, a sentiment echoed by California attorney Victoria Burke and Erica Vladimer, co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group.

Cuomo's team, however, has dismissed the proposed bills, with campaign spokesman Richard Azzopardi defending Cuomo’s right to legal action against "discredited claims." Bennett initially filed her federal lawsuit in September 2022 but dropped the case in December shortly before her scheduled deposition. Cuomo has maintained that the lawsuit was politically motivated and the settlement by the state was merely to avoid the costs of litigation.

The issue of legal retaliation in cases of sexual harassment is not unique to Cuomo; former NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer also filed a defamation suit against an accuser. While Stringer’s campaign has not commented on the pending legislation, Bennett’s representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment.

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The Flipside: Different Perspectives

Progressive View

The situation involving Andrew Cuomo's intended defamation action against Charlotte Bennett highlights the systemic issue of power dynamics in sexual harassment cases. The proposed legislation in New York, such as the Speak Your Truth Act, is a progressive step towards balancing these dynamics by discouraging retaliatory legal actions that can further victimize and silence individuals who come forward with claims of harassment.

Progressives argue that such protective legislation is essential to foster a safe and equitable workplace environment where victims feel empowered to report abuse without fear of legal retribution. The fact that Cuomo's legal team has branded the investigative report by the Attorney General's office as a "hit job" is indicative of the need for these legislative protections. This viewpoint prioritizes creating an environment that supports survivors and holds harassers accountable without causing additional trauma through the legal system.

Conservative View

The potential defamation lawsuit by Andrew Cuomo against Charlotte Bennett underscores a fundamental principle of justice: the right to defend one's reputation. Cuomo's legal team has raised serious questions about the validity of Bennett's allegations, especially since they come after her voluntary dismissal of the federal lawsuit. The large sum of taxpayer money used to defend against these allegations only adds to the concern that public funds are being leveraged in political battles rather than legitimate claims.

While the proposed legislation aims to protect alleged victims, it also risks setting a dangerous precedent where the accused are discouraged from seeking recourse against false allegations. This could potentially lead to a chilling effect on individuals' willingness to defend their names in court, fearing financial ruin if they lose. The conservative viewpoint stresses the importance of due process and the preservation of legal defenses that protect individuals from unfounded accusations.

Common Ground

Both conservatives and progressives can agree that a fair legal system is paramount. While conservatives emphasize the right to defend against defamation, progressives focus on safeguarding victims from retaliation. Common ground can be found in the pursuit of a balanced approach that protects the integrity of both the accuser and the accused. Legislation that deters frivolous lawsuits while upholding the principle of innocent until proven guilty could be a step towards reconciling these viewpoints. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice serves the interests of all parties and maintains the public's trust in the legal process.