who is the lawyer representing christine blasey ford

Topline

One of the two former aides accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) of sexual harassment has hired the attorney who represented Brett Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford, The New York Times reported Monday, as the state Attorney General’s office received the green-light to start its investigation into the governor.

Key Facts

Charlotte Bennett, a former aide to the governor, has hired Debra S. Katz as representation as the investigation begins into her claim that Cuomo made sexual remarks toward her that she interpreted to be advances, as well as into a claim of inappropriate touching and an unsolicited kiss from another former aide.

Key Background

New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced Monday afternoon that she received a referral letter from the Cuomo administration, giving her office the authority to move forward with its independent investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment from Bennett and current Manhattan borough president candidate Lindsey Boylan.

Chief Critic

Speaking publicly for the first time since The New York Times reported her allegations on Saturday, Bennett responded to the governor’s statement, accusing him of refusing “to acknowledge or take responsibility for his predatory behavior.” “It took the governor 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation,” Bennett told The Times, labeling these “the actions of an individual who wields his power to avoid justice.”.

What To Watch For

Some of Cuomo’s key financial backers are pausing and reevaluating their support for him amid the probe, according to CNBC. Among those who reevaluated their aid are New York businessman Bernard Schwartz and supermarket chain founder John Catsimatidis, who both said they may walk away from the governor depending on what the investigation reveals.