Zohran Mamdani Calls Out Andrew Cuomo for Sexual Misconduct in Debate's Most Explosive Moment

As the race for the mayoralty of New York City heads into its final stretch, the debate held on 22 October 2025 became a flashpoint not simply for policy differences but for a dramatic confrontation over past sexual-harassment allegations. At the heart of that exchange was Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, and Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York and now independent contender.

Mamdani used a direct, personal line of attack, turning the spotlight onto allegations that have shadowed Cuomo's legacy. 'One of those women, Charlotte Bennett, is in the audience this evening,' he declared. 'You sought to access her private gynaecological records. She cannot speak up for herself because you lodged a defamation case against her. I, however, can speak. What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?'

The remark elicited audible gasps from the audience. The moment crystallised how Mamdani is pivoting from traditional policy debate to a question of character and accountability — casting Cuomo not just as a man of experience, but as someone with a discredited record. In response, Cuomo maintained that the allegations had been thoroughly reviewed by multiple district attorneys and insisted they had not resulted in criminal prosecution.

The substantive basis of the confrontation lies in the 2021 investigation by the New York State Attorney-General's office, which concluded that Cuomo had sexually harassed a number of current and former state employees. Among the specific accusations levelled by Bennett were claims that Cuomo asked invasive questions about her sex life and sought personal medical records.Mamdani seized on that record to argue that experience does not equate to integrity. At the earlier June debate, he said: 'I have never had to resign in disgrace. ... I have never hounded the 13 women who credibly accused me of sexual harassment. I have never sued for their gynaecological records. ... Because I am not you, Mr Cuomo.'

The debate night thus turned into more than a clash of visions for the city's future — it became a referendum on whether past conduct disqualifies one from leading 8.5 million citizens. Mamdani's strategy appeared to be two-fold: offer policy alternatives to the 'experienced' Cuomo, and at the same time, frame Cuomo's prior tenure as fundamentally tainted by misconduct that undermines his claim to govern.

Cuomo has defended himself against the mounting criticism over the sexual misconduct allegations. He insisted the allegations had been overblown and legally addressed, stating: 'Four years later, we've had five district attorneys — Democrat, Republican, upstate, downstate — nothing has come of them whatsoever.'

For voters, the moment holds significance. Many voters viewed Mamdani's intervention as a necessary reckoning with power and gender dynamics in government. Others — particularly those who prioritise experience and stability — may regard the encounter as a distraction from pressing issues such as crime, housing and the escalating cost of living.

In the end, the confrontation over alleged sexual misconduct at the debate may not on its own decide the election. Still, it has infused the mayoral contest with a moral dimension. It demonstrates how questions of past behaviour and accountability are no longer peripheral; they now sit centre stage in civic leadership debates. As the campaign heads into its final fortnight, the question for New Yorkers is whether this moment alters the calculus or will be eclipsed by more conventional campaigning on housing, policing, and infrastructure.