New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s top spokesperson was placed on leave this week as the governor’s staff investigates an allegation of sexual harassment.
The New York Times reported that press secretary Avi Small is being investigated after another state employee accused him of inappropriate touching.The alleged incident occurred at a staff retreat earlier this month of the Executive Chamber, which includes the governor’s top aides.
In a statement, Hochul spokesperson Anthony Hogrebe confirmed an employee was placed on leave “as soon as a complaint was brought to the [Executive] Chamber.” He did not name the employee, calling it an “open investigation.”
“Governor Hochul has zero tolerance for misconduct by any New York State employee, and has instituted the strongest workplace protections and training policies in State history,” Hogrebe said.
Small didn’t respond to requests for comment. He joined Hochul’s team in the fall of 2021 after previously working in the state Senate and on Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, according to LinkedIn.
Hochul became governor after her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, resigned in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. A report released by Attorney General Letitia James found Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, including state employees. That report, as well as a subsequent investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, found that the Executive Chamber under Cuomo failed to follow policies and procedures to prevent harassment.
Cuomo previously apologized if his conduct made anyone uncomfortable. As a candidate for mayor, he has denied sexually harassing anybody. The former governor says James’ report was politically motivated. She has defended the investigation.
After assuming office, Hochul created a human resources department within the Executive Chamber and required staff to attend anti-harassment training in person.
“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service,” Hochul said in 2021.
