Eric Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York state, resigned on Monday after four women alleged he had physically abused them.
In an article published late on Monday, The New Yorker magazine reported that four women, who claimed they had had romantic relationships with Schneiderman in the past, had alleged that he had subjected them to non-consensual physical violence.
Two of them told the magazine that they had to seek medical attention after being “slapped hard across the ear and face, and also choked”. One of them said Schneiderman warned her that he could have her followed and her phones tapped.
“In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in non-consensual sex, which is a line I would not cross.”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had called for Schneiderman’s resignation after the article was published.
“In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me,” Schneiderman said while announcing his resignation. “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.”
Schneiderman has been a well-known supporter of the #MeToo campaign and used his position to sue film director Harvey Weinstein in February over sexual harassment allegations. He has also praised the women who came out with such accusations against prominent personalities in the last few months.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!