Faced with an escalating backlash following two allegations of sexual harassment in less than a week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday acknowledged that some of his comments in the workplace "may have been insensitive or too personal" and said he was "truly sorry" to those who might have "misinterpreted (the remarks) as an unwanted flirtation".
But Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, also maintained that he never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone, denying the allegation of a former aide that he had kissed her on the lips after a one-on-one briefing.
In backing down from his initial positions, Cuomo -- who over a decade in office has kept a powerful grip on the workings of the state government -- signaled an understanding of the severity of a scandal that could threaten his job and prospects for reelection next year to a fourth term. The new accusation drew attention from top state elected officials and a call, on CNN's "State of the Union", from White House press secretary Jen Psaki for "an independent review of these allegations". Psaki called them "serious" and said, of the second accusation, it had been "hard to read that story, as a woman".
