Seven Women Accuse Andrew Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment But Biden, Pelosi Defer To Investigation

Although calls seeking the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo have been getting louder ever since a seventh woman accused him of sexual misconduct, President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi still don't seem to think Cuomo's ouster is imperative, at least for now.

On whether the Governor should step down, President Biden Sunday said, "I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us," reports CNN.

His response comes as Pelosi, who claims to have "no tolerance" for sexual harassment, too insisted on waiting to see the results of the investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

"I said there's zero tolerance for sexual harassment and we have taken measures in the House of Representatives – very strong measures – under the leadership of Rep. Jackie Speier of California," Pelosi told ABC's "This Week."

"What I said at the time that these revelations came forward, I said what these women have said must be treated with respect, they are credible and serious charges, and that I called for an investigation," she said.

When asked if Cuomo could be an effective leader, Pelosi said, "The governor should look inside his heart -- he loves New York -- to see if he can govern effectively."

White House press secretary Jen Psaki too said the president believes the independent investigation should move forward. "The President believes that every woman who's come forward ... deserves to have her voice heard, should be treated with respect and should be able to tell her story," Psaki said.

Nevertheless, the pressure kept mounting on Cuomo with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joining the chorus seeking Cuomo's resignation on Friday. In a joint statement with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Schumer said, "Confronting and overcoming the Covid crisis requires sure and steady leadership. We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign."

As of Friday, 16 members of New York's 19-person Democratic House delegation have asked for Cuomo's resignation. Last week, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie had authorized an impeachment investigation into the sexual harassment allegations leveled against the governor by six women, including former aides.

New York Democratic Reps. Caroyln Maloney, Jerry Nadler, Nydia Velazquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Kathleen Rice, Adriano Espaillat, Yvette Clarke, Grace Meng, Antonio Delgado, Mondaire Jones, Sean Patrick Maloney, Paul Tonko and Brian Higgins are also calling for Cuomo's resignation.

However, Cuomo refused to budge from his earlier stance. On Friday, the governor said he won't bow "to cancel culture." "I am not going to resign," he said.