New York attorney-general, who supported #MeToo, resigns after harassment allegations
What's the story
Eric Schneiderman, New York Attorney General resigned after four women leveled physical abuse allegations against him.
The New Yorker quoted four women, whom he was romantically involved with, in a report. The women said Schneiderman abused them physically.
Ironically, Schneiderman was vocal about the #MeToo movement and brought legal action against Harvey Weinstein. He is also a staunch Donald Trump critic.
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Schneiderman says allegations will prevent him from continuing work
"In last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me. While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office's work at this critical time," Schneiderman said.
Twitter Post
He had called for harassment free workplace, earlier
Every New Yorker has a right to a workplace free of sexual harassment, intimidation, and fear. If you have been the victim of misconduct, or a witness to it, contact my office:
— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) February 11, 2018
☎️ (212) 416-8250
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Women who spoke on record said violence escalated with time
Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, both spoke on record, and said abuse at the hands of Schneiderman escalated with time. They said he was a heavy drinker.
A third woman, who wished to remain unidentified, said she was too scared to come forward to talk about the abuse.
A fourth woman, who requested discretion, said Schneiderman slapped her when she rebuffed him.
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His hypocrisy is epic, says Manning Barish
"You cannot be a champion of women when you are hitting them and choking them in bed. His hypocrisy is epic. He's fooled so many people," Manning told the New Yorker. The women didn't approach police but confided in their closed ones.
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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo calls for Schneiderman's resignation
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "No one is above the law, including New York's top legal officer. I don't believe it's possible for Eric Schneiderman to continue to serve as attorney general."
Schneiderman, however, maintained he never engaged in non-consensual sex.
"In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity," he told the New Yorker.