Exclusive | Cuomo accuser and ex-aide Karen Hinton tears into former gov’s mayoral bid: ‘Women’s rights’ will suffer

A Former Aide Speaks Out Against Cuomo: A Call to Action for Women’s Rights

In a bold and impassioned statement, Karen Hinton, a former top aide to ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, has come forward to express her vehement opposition to Cuomo’s potential mayoral candidacy. Hinton, who served under Cuomo during his tenure as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, alleges that Cuomo made unwanted sexual advances toward her in 2000. Her revelations come at a time when Cuomo is contemplating a run for New York City mayor, a prospect that Hinton believes would be detrimental to the advancement of women’s rights in the city. She emphasizes that this election presents a critical opportunity to advocate for women’s rights and to ensure that City Hall is a place where women’s voices are heard and valued. However, Hinton warns that this opportunity will be squandered if Cuomo or incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is elected, as she believes neither leader will prioritize the well-being and empowerment of women.

Cuomo’s Troubled Past and the Implications for NYC

Hinton’s concerns about Cuomo’s fitness for office are deeply rooted in his history of alleged misconduct. In 2021, Cuomo resigned as Governor of New York following a damning report by State Attorney General Letitia James, which found that he had sexually harassed 11 women. The report also revealed that some of his top aides had worked to discredit his accusers. While Hinton acknowledges that Cuomo may have become more cautious in his interactions with women since the scandal, she warns that this does not make him suitable to lead New York City. "Women and men employees should never trust him," Hinton declared, describing Cuomo as "very demanding" and unpredictable in his behavior. "Nice one day; nasty the next. Your best friend; then your worst enemy," she said, painting a picture of a leader who is erratic and untrustworthy.

Hinton’s Personal Experience and Advocacy for Accountability

Hinton’s criticisms of Cuomo are not just based on his general behavior but also on her own personal experiences. She claims that Cuomo subjected her to inappropriate physical contact during her time as his press aide at HUD, alleging that he hugged her tightly and inappropriately, leaving her feeling "extremely uncomfortable and actually shocked." Cuomo has denied these allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated. However, Hinton’s account is supported by her long-standing advocacy for women’s rights and her commitment to holding powerful men accountable for their actions. In her 2021 book, "Penis Politics," Hinton provides a detailed account of what she describes as Cuomo’s toxic behavior, including his alleged tendency to discuss explicit sexual matters with his underlings. Among other allegations, Hinton claims that Cuomo made salacious comments about his ex-in-laws, the Kennedys, a claim that both Cuomo and the Kennedy family have vehemently denied.

A Complex History in Politics

Hinton’s career has been marked by her involvement in New York politics, including her time as a press aide for former Mayor Bill de Blasio. She joined de Blasio’s administration in 2015, a period during which de Blasio and Cuomo were engaged in a heated political feud. Hinton’s tenure with de Blasio was short-lived, however, as she resigned in 2016, citing feelings of being undermined by the mayor. While Hinton acknowledges that de Blasio never made sexual overtures toward women, she criticizes him for not listening to them, a failing she believes is equally problematic. "De Blasio, to my knowledge, never made sexual overtures to women—he just didn’t listen to them," she said. Hinton’s experiences with both Cuomo and de Blasio have informed her perspective on the need for stronger leadership on women’s issues, particularly in New York City.

Hinton’s Motivations and the Stakes of the Mayoral Race

Hinton’s decision to speak out against Cuomo is not just about settling old scores; it is also driven by her deep concern for the future of New York City, particularly for the women who call it home. As a mother of three daughters who live in the city, Hinton is acutely aware of the stakes of the mayoral race. "New York City may elect a mayor who has been rightfully accused of sexual misconduct by several young women who worked for him in up-close positions," she warned, referencing the multiple allegations against Cuomo. Hinton believes that the election of a leader with such a history would send a dangerous message about the acceptability of sexual harassment and the disregard for women’s rights. She is urging voters to consider the broader implications of their choices and to support candidates who prioritize the safety, dignity, and empowerment of all New Yorkers.

The Broader Implications for Women’s Rights

Hinton’s warnings about Cuomo’s candidacy are part of a larger call to action for women across New York City. She believes that the women’s movement has fallen short in its efforts to create meaningful change, particularly in holding powerful men accountable for their actions. "As a movement, we women haven’t done enough to toughen laws to protect women from such immoral, unethical, and what should be illegal behavior by men in positions of power, such as Cuomo," she said. Hinton’s critique is not just about Cuomo but about the systemic failures that allow men like him to wield power despite their misconduct. She sees the mayoral race as an opportunity to challenge these failures and to demand more from the city’s leaders. The stakes could not be higher, and Hinton is urging voters to seize this moment to fight for a future where women’s rights are taken seriously and where all New Yorkers can thrive.