Ethics commission revokes approval for Cuomo book deal

An ethics panel in New York State has revoked its approval of a book deal granted to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). 

The state Joint Commission on Public Ethics rescinded its approval with a 12-1 vote on Tuesday, according to WABC. 

Cuomo will have an opportunity to apply for a new approval, the outlet noted. 

Cuomo published his memoir, focusing on the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, last October before resigning from the governorship earlier this year following allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a statement to WABC, Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, said the panel members are “acting outside the scope of their authority and are carrying the water of the politicians who appointed them.” 

“It is the height of hypocrisy for (Governor Kathy) Hochul and the legislature’s appointees to take this position, given that these elected officials routinely use their own staff for political and personal assistance on their own time,” Azzopardi said, “This is the 3rd time JCOPE has attempted to rescind their own approval, and this amounts to nothing more than Albany political corruption at its worst.” 

Cuomo has also reportedly been under criminal investigation about whether he used government resources to write and promote the book, WABC noted, saying if no new approval is requested of the ethics committee it could open the door to the former governor being forced to repay millions in profits to his publisher, Crown New York.