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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is suing the state's comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, over unpaid legal bills. The dispute centers on legal fees accrued during Cuomo's battles with State Attorney General Letitia James. Cuomo is seeking reimbursement for legal expenses related to obtaining documents from James' office concerning a report that found harassment allegations against him credible. The report, based on interviews with 179 individuals, concluded that Cuomo harassed 11 women, allegations he denies.
The state comptroller's office, however, has refused to cover these legal costs, arguing that taxpayers are not obligated to fund Cuomo's lawsuit against the attorney general. As reported by NBC New York, the legal battles have already cost New York taxpayers nearly $60 million. Cuomo's request for reimbursement was initially denied, leading to his lawsuit filed in July 2024.
Cuomo's legal team argues that the transcripts and documents he seeks are crucial for his defense. The comptroller's office has asked the court to dismiss Cuomo's challenge, with a hearing scheduled for Monday (March 24). Critics, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, have called on Cuomo to personally cover his legal expenses and repay taxpayers.
The ongoing legal costs have sparked controversy, with some arguing that Cuomo is using taxpayer money to pursue personal legal battles. Despite these criticisms, Cuomo maintains his innocence and continues to seek legal recourse to challenge the findings of the attorney general's report.