Awkward Embrace Photo Triggers Online Storm
A photograph capturing former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in an awkward embrace with his defence lawyer has ignited controversy and a furious response. The image shows Rita Glavin, the attorney defending Cuomo against multiple sexual harassment allegations, grimacing as her client grabs her face and kisses her cheek.
This incident occurred during a crowded election party following Cuomo's defeat in the New York City mayoral race last week. The photos rapidly gained millions of views online after being shared by a New York Times photographer and one of Cuomo's most prominent accusers.
Legal Defence and Public Outrage
The embrace drew significant attention because Rita Glavin has been Andrew Cuomo's primary defence attorney against sexual harassment claims brought forward by 13 women since 2021, all of which he has denied. The first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo was Lindsey Boylan, who alleged he kissed her without warning in 2018 and previously asked her to play strip poker.
Boylan posted the photos of Cuomo and Glavin to X in two separate tweets that also criticised the £5.68 million in taxpayer funds that reportedly went to Cuomo's legal defence, with Glavin's firm receiving this substantial sum according to New York Focus. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing regarding the legal fees or the election night photograph itself.
Heated Reactions and Explanations
When contacted by the Daily Mail, both Glavin and Cuomo's campaign spokesperson Richard Azzopardi reacted with visible anger. During a follow-up call, Azzopardi offered a partial apology for their earlier animated response while attempting to explain the uncomfortable-looking photograph.
He claimed Glavin's "anguished look on her face" occurred because she feared being "mauled by a sea of people" in what he described as a "roving mosh pit of reporters and supporters." Azzopardi stated that Cuomo was steadying his lawyer amid the chaos before they talked and he kissed her cheek.
The spokesman dismissed the framing of the photo as "ridiculous, cheap and stupid" and argued it unfairly characterised Glavin. He suggested Boylan's motivation for sharing the image related to her recent deposition in the only remaining lawsuit against Cuomo.
Background and Resignation
In 2021, Andrew Cuomo resigned as governor after nearly 11 years in office when several women came forward with accusations of misconduct during the COVID-19 pandemic. While vehemently denying the allegations, he stated he would step down to allow the state government to focus on pandemic management rather than facing potential impeachment.
Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general in the civil rights division, commented at the time that the conduct was "especially egregious because of the stark power differential involved and the victims' lack of avenues to report and redress harassment."
Responding to the angry reactions from Cuomo's team, Lindsey Boylan told the Daily Mail: "Rita Glavin can call me all the names she wants." The exchange highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the sexual harassment cases that ended Cuomo's political career.
