BBC Staff – March 3 2021

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing calls from colleagues in his own party to resign after a third woman accused him of sexual harassment.

A photographer told the New York Times that the politician touched her face and asked to kiss her at a wedding.

Mr Cuomo, 63, denied touching anyone inappropriately but apologised if his comments were misinterpreted.

An investigation has begun after two former staff members also alleged harassment.

Following the latest accusation New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice added her name to the list of people calling for the governor, who is one of the most influential Democratic politicians, to resign.

In a statement released before Ms Ruch's accusations were published, Mr Cuomo apologised that some things he had done "have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation".

On Monday New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the first steps in an external investigation of the allegations by former staff Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett against Mr Cuomo.

The governor became a familiar face internationally for his handling of the Covid-19 crisis, but he is now under scrutiny for allegedly hiding the true number of pandemic-related deaths in New York care homes.

He has also been accused of bullying colleagues, including by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56251445