At least one group isn’t buying former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s assertion that he was railroaded by extremists in the Democratic Party who are perpetuating cancel culture.

“This is not cancel culture,” attorney Erica Vladimer told Capital Tonight. “Cancel culture means people who don’t want to be held accountable for their actions are trying to put that responsibility on other people instead of owning their own actions.” 

Vladimer, co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group and a former legislative staffer, wants New Yorkers to remember that Cuomo decided to resign from office instead of going through the impeachment process.

“That wasn’t canceling. If he wants to use that term, fine. But Andrew Cuomo was the one who canceled himself,” she said.

When asked if people who have committed sexual harassment can reclaim their status the way Cuomo appears to be interested in doing, Vladimer said yes. But contrition must come first.

“Everybody should have an opportunity for redemption. I do believe that. But that starts with taking ownership and accountability of your actions,” Vladimer explained.  “Andrew Cuomo has not done that. He’s going on this campaign tour blaming everybody, saying he is a victim of politics.”

Vladimer and other members of the Sexual Harassment Working Group (SHWG) were on hand in New York City on Wednesday for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signing of a package of bills addressing sexual harassment. 

One of the new laws was inspired by an incident that took place during the tenure of the former governor. 

After aide Lindsey Boylan published an article in Medium in which she accused then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, the governor’s top aides released her personnel file to several media outlines. The new bill would make such a release a violation of the state’s Human Rights Law. 

“The personnel records [bill] is a really strong bill to help staffers when they are in their roles to help protect them against the retaliation that we saw Andrew bring against Lindsey Boylan,” said Vladimer.

A second bill will create a hotline for employees to report sexual harassment in the workplace. The last bill in the package would protect victims of sexual harassment if they are public servants. 

Vladimer characterized the Hochul signing ceremony as a turning point.

“It is surreal, but it feels really powerful to know that we do have a partner in this governor in protecting workers,” Vladimer said.