18 April 2025: NY Taxpayers to Pay $450K Settlement to Cuomo Sexual Harassment Accuser

NY taxpayers on the hook for $450K as Cuomo sexual harassment accuser settles with the state — just months ahead of mayoral primary

Charlotte Bennett, the second woman to allege former New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo sexually harassed her while he was New York's Governor, will receive a cash settlement from the state government because of it. Here's an excerpt from the report.

A former state employee who accused Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment clinched a $450,000 settlement — with taxpayers set to foot the massive bill as the former governor makes a comeback bid for New York City mayor.

Charlotte Bennett, who served as an assistant to Cuomo when he was governor, officially ended a long-running lawsuit Friday against the Empire State.

She is slated to receive $100,000 personally with another $350,000 earmarked for her lawyers and legal costs — all of which will be shelled out by the state.

To date, New York taxpayers have paid nearly $60 million to defend Cuomo for his role in multiple scandals like the sexual harassment allegations that ultimately forced him to resign in disgrace. The article details some of the other legal expenses the state has paid as a legal perk:

Other suits filed over the sexual harassment claims include one from a state trooper who accused Cuomo of touching her inappropriately. That legal battle has cost the state $8.6 million so far, according to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office.

Another $11.7 million has been spent on state investigations, including into Cuomo’s handling of the COVID pandemic and his notorious $5 million pandemic book deal, as well as to cover the cost of defending him in impeachment proceedings.

Former executive assistant Brittany Commisso, who accused Cuomo of groping her, also has a case against the ex-gov still pending in state court.

On 26 January 2025, federal investigators determined Cuomo retaliated against the women he allegedly sexually harassed during his tenure in office.

This entry was added to the timeline on 22 April 2025.