Adams Calls for Cuomo to Address Nursing Home Deaths, Sexual Harassment Allegations on Campaign Trail
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has publicly stated that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo must address the controversies surrounding his handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the sexual harassment allegations against him as he embarks on a mayoral campaign. Adams’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Cuomo’s past actions as he seeks to re-enter the political arena.
The mayor’s comments were prompted by a reporter’s question regarding whether the alleged undercounting of COVID-related nursing home deaths should disqualify Cuomo from running for mayor. Adams acknowledged the pain and concerns of families affected by the nursing home crisis, stating that he has met with family members and advocates and intends to work with them on related issues. He emphasized that Cuomo should be held accountable for providing clarity on the matter.
"He has to answer that question on the trail, exactly what happened," Adams stated. "And I think some of those family members are going to be looking forward to that."
While Adams did not explicitly call for an automatic disqualification, he underscored the importance of addressing the concerns and providing a thorough explanation to the public, particularly to those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. He suggested that the campaign trail would serve as a platform for Cuomo to confront these issues head-on.
The controversy surrounding Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes stems from allegations that his administration deliberately underreported the number of COVID-19 deaths in these facilities. A report released in March 2022 by the New York State Comptroller found that Cuomo’s Health Department lacked transparency in its reporting and understated the death toll by as much as 50% at times.
Furthermore, Cuomo faced intense criticism for a directive issued in March 2020 that initially barred nursing homes from refusing patients who had tested positive for COVID-19. This policy resulted in the release of over 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients from hospitals into nursing homes, raising concerns that it exacerbated outbreaks and contributed to the high death toll. The directive was eventually rescinded, but the debate over its impact continues.
A state report later commissioned by Cuomo’s successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, acknowledged that the policies regarding nursing homes and COVID-19 were "rushed and uncoordinated." However, it also concluded that they were based on the best scientific understanding available at the time.
Despite these findings, the issue remains a sensitive one for Cuomo, and his administration’s actions continue to be questioned and debated. Representatives for Cuomo have consistently denied any mishandling of the nursing home situation during the pandemic.
In addition to the nursing home controversy, Cuomo’s mayoral bid is also shadowed by the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation from office in August 2021. Multiple women accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, prompting an investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s office.
Adams also addressed these allegations, emphasizing the importance of addressing them openly during the campaign. "He has to answer that on the campaign trail," Adams said. "I believe the women who made the allegations, respect what they stated. I believe what they said based on the investigation, and he has to answer that on the trail."
Cuomo has denied the sexual harassment allegations, but the issue continues to be a significant obstacle to his political comeback.
Cuomo announced his New York City mayoral bid over the weekend, releasing a video message in which he expressed concerns about the city’s current state, describing it as "threatening, out of control, and in crisis." His decision to enter the race has generated considerable attention and controversy, given the scandals that led to his resignation from the governor’s office.
The mayoral race is shaping up to be a highly competitive one, with Adams facing potential challenges from Cuomo and other candidates. The focus on Cuomo’s past actions is likely to intensify as the campaign progresses, forcing him to address the controversies surrounding his handling of nursing homes and the sexual harassment allegations.
The upcoming campaign is expected to be a battleground for addressing critical issues facing New York City, including public safety, economic recovery, and social justice. Cuomo’s ability to address the controversies surrounding his past actions will likely play a significant role in determining his success in the mayoral race.
The scrutiny from Adams and others indicates that Cuomo will not be able to avoid addressing these matters directly. The voters, particularly those directly impacted by the decisions made during his time as governor, will be looking for transparency and accountability. It remains to be seen how effectively Cuomo can navigate these challenges and convince voters to give him another chance to lead the city.
