Andrew Cuomo Got in Bed With the Wrong Black Woman

NY attorney general Letitia James used the governor to ascend professionally — then later destroyed him with sexual misconduct allegations

Bonsu Thompson
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Photo: Mackenzie Stroh

Letitia James’ LinkedIn account is due for an update. Not only should her title read New York attorney general, but she now also adorns the esteemed distinction of being the woman responsible for ending the political career of Andrew Cuomo.

It was James whose investigation into sexual misconduct and abuse of power allegations against New York’s 56th governor set in motion his fall from power. Last week, after a decade as governor, Cuomo resigned, crowning his fellow Democrat a kingslayer in Albany and far beyond.

That James is a Black woman who beheaded an inherently powerful White man makes her kill slightly sweeter. The 62-year-old politician’s most recent triumph is nearly unthinkable. Men of Cuomo’s breed, stature, and complexion live lengthy political lives in spite of any transgressions — whether those ill deeds remain in the dark or are aired out for the public to see. The higher an official is ranked, the easier it is to play puppeteer within a system established to police their misconduct (see: Donald Trump). So of course the eldest son of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo…

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Bonsu Thompson
Bonsu Thompson

Written by Bonsu Thompson

Bonsu Thompson is a writer, producer, Brooklynite and 2019 Sundance Screenwriters Lab fellow.