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New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was being asked to step down by that state's Governor Andrew Cuomo following allegations he attacked at least four different women. Shortly before 10 pm EST, Schneiderman announced his resignment effective the close of business Tuesday May 18.
The reports were published in a New Yorker article on Monday.
Two women spoke on the record, saying Schneiderman repeatedly hit them during the course of their relationships with him in recent years, and never with their consent. Neither woman filed any police complaints, but both said they sought out medical attention and confided in people close to them about the abuse.
A third woman who also was involved with him told her story to the other two women, but said she was too frightened to come forward. A fourth woman said Schneiderman slapped her when she rebuffed him, but also asked to remain unidentified. The New Yorker said it vetted the third woman's allegations, and saw a photo of what the fourth woman said was her injury.
The two women who spoke on the record, Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, both said the physical abuse escalated over time, and that Schneiderman also was a heavy drinker. The Associated Press is identifying the women because they agreed to tell their stories publicly.
On Monday evening Schneiderman issued the following statement to the New Yorker:
"In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity. I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in non-consensual sex, which is I line I would not cross."
Shortly after 9:30 pm EST, Schneiderman resigned and issued this statement:
It’s been my great honor and privilege to serve as attorney general for the people of the State of New York,” Mr. Schneiderman said in a statement. “In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me.
“While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018.”
In an ironic twist, Schneiderman's office has taken on a high-profile role in the fight against sexual misconduct.
Schneiderman was well known within the world of Daily Fantasy Sports after he ordered both DraftKings and FanDuel to stop conducting business in New York State. His actions sent the industry into a downward spiral.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel were ultimately able to return to the state following regulation.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
