The financial tally from the litany of controversies tied to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to climb, with recent reports indicating that New York taxpayers have now shelled out roughly $60 million in legal fees. According to a state report released earlier this month, the staggering sum encompasses defense costs against various allegations made during Cuomo's administration, including sexual harassment lawsuits and inquiries into his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his associated book deal.
Attempting to put another twist in the saga, Cuomo has filed a lawsuit against the New York State Comptroller's office demanding that taxpayers foot the bill for his legal action against State Attorney General Letitia James. If successful, this maneuver could elevate the state’s legal costs related to Cuomo even further beyond the current $60 million figure, reported NBC New York. The Comptroller's office has responded by asking the court to dismiss Cuomo's challenge, with proceedings expected to unfold in court this upcoming Monday.
Despite the former governor's assertions of innocence regarding harassment allegations, which were deemed credible against him relating to 11 women after an investigation, his legal strategies have not been without controversy. Among the accusers, Lindsey Boyland has criticized Cuomo for using taxpayer dollars to seek retribution, telling NBC New York in an interview, "He's using the taxpayer dime everything he's doing now to seek retribution and silence us is on your money. this is the exact kind of mayor he will be." Legal documentation obtained by NBC New York revealed Cuomo's team claimed the transcripts they seek from the attorney general's office were "critical" to their defense.
Meanwhile, critics and political opponents have seized on the figures, with City Comptroller Brad Lander calling on Cuomo to pay back New Yorkers and to pledge not to use taxpayer dollars for his legal bills. In their report, The New York Post highlighted Lander's sentiments that Cuomo should use his own funds to cover legal defenses. Amidst rising costs and public disapproval, Cuomo has remained firm in his denial of the allegations and has positioned them as politically driven.
The exact breakdown of the legal expenses includes nearly $18 million paid out in defense of Cuomo against sexual harassment suits and millions more to represent other state agencies in additional probes. As efforts to recover the state's finances continue, watchdog groups and former legislative staffers have urged for immediate action. DiNapoli's office, while faced with demands to halt payments, has indicated their limited capacity in cutting off funding which was authorized by a court, as per their statement addressing concerns over the use of taxpayer dollars in Cuomo's legal defense.
