Gov. Kathy Hochul puts press secretary on leave after sexual harassment allegation
Gov. Kathy Hochul's office said she has "zero tolerance for misconduct." Credit: TNS/Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul has suspended her press secretary pending an investigation into alleged sexual harassment, according to multiple media reports Wednesday.
Avi Small, who has been a key member of Hochul’s staff since she became governor in 2021, has been placed on suspension, according to The New York Times and Politico.
Hochul’s office confirmed a staffer had been placed on leave pending an investigation, though it did not mention Small by name.
"Governor Hochul has zero tolerance for misconduct by any New York State employee, and has instituted the strongest workplace protections and training policies in state history," Hochul’s communications director, Anthony Hogrebe, said in a statement. "While we cannot comment on an open investigation, as soon as a complaint was brought to the chamber the employee in question was placed on leave."
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