Cuomo says he’s suing Charlotte Bennett for defamation

The lawsuit prompted criticism — and proposals to change state law.

Good afternoon — it’s Thursday and National Hard Candy Day.

In today’s CapCon:

• Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is suing Charlotte Bennett, one of the women who accused him of sexual harassment, for defamation.

• That lawsuit prompted his critics to denounce him — and propose a few changes to state law.

• Here are some of the laws that take effect or change at the start of 2025.

• Hochul signed another bill Thursday, this one on restaurant reservations.

• Stories from the week you might’ve missed with Thursday Reads.

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(Damon Winter/New York Times)

⚖️ Cuomo is planning to sue Charlotte Bennett

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is going on offense against Charlotte Bennett, one of the women who accused him of sexual misconduct three years ago.

Bennett’s allegations were first revealed in a story from The New York Times and were seen as a tipping point for Cuomo, who had already been accused of harassment by Lindsey Boylan, another former staffer.

Cuomo then directed the state attorney general’s office to conduct an investigation into the claims. The office hired a pair of independent investigators to do that work.

The resulting report found the allegations from Bennett and the other women to be credible. Cuomo has denied all of the allegations made against him.

After Cuomo resigned from office, Bennett sued him for sexual harassment in federal court. She also sued the state in state court.

But she dropped the federal lawsuit a few weeks ago. Her attorney, Debra Katz, has said they’re in talks with the state about a settlement but there’s been no update there.

Cuomo has now given notice that he plans to sue Bennett, saying she defamed him through the allegations — specifically through a statement made by her attorney earlier this month.