'Cancel Culture' Caused My Downfall, Cuomo Says In NYC Sermon

BROOKLYN, NY — Dozens of church-goers in Brooklyn this week were the first to hear publicly from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who railed against "cancel culture" in his first public appearance in six months.

In a 25-minute speech at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church in East Flatbush on Sunday, the ex-governor offered limited remorse for a string of sexual assault allegations that led to his resignation in August, instead blaming a "frightening new world" of cancel culture for his downfall.

"Nothing I did violated the law or regulation ... but the political sharks in Albany smelled blood," Cuomo said, alluding to but not naming Attorney General Letitia James, whose bombshell sexual harassment report ultimately led his resignation. "They exploited the situation for their political purpose."

Cuomo — who is reportedly considering a political comeback — claimed he has been "vindicated" since James' 165-page report given five district attorneys decisions not to press charges against him on the report's claims.

He failed to mention that some of the prosecutors said they found the women credible, but did not have legal grounds for criminal charges, according to the New York Times.

James' months-long investigation concluded that the governor had harassed 11 women — including former and current employees — by groping, kissing, hugging and making inappropriate comments.

On Sunday, Cuomo pinned the allegations, which he has denied, on a "new sensitivity" among the younger generation and "evolving social norms."

"I’ve been called old-fashioned, out of touch, and I’ve been told that my behavior was not politically correct or appropriate," he said. "I accept it ... I’ve learned a powerful lesson and I’ve paid a very high price for learning that lesson."

The speech could be a sign Cuomo's comeback ambitions are ramping up. The New York Times noted that he the ex-governor told a congregant after the service who asked if he would run again that he was "contemplating."

"God isn't done with me yet," he said during the speech.

Still, should he run for office, Cuomo will face a not-insignificant hurdle of public opinion. In a poll earlier this year, Cuomo's favorability stood at negative 33-60 percent among voter

The Siena College poll also found that voters by a 58-21 percent margin think he sexually harassed multiple women and by a 56-25 percent margin, say he has not been "vindicated," despite his assertions otherwise.

Attorney General James assessed New Yorkers feelings about the former governor more directly in her response to his speech, contending residents “are ready to move forward from this sick, pathetic man," according to the New York Times.

“Even though multiple independent investigations found his victims to be credible, Cuomo continues to blame everyone but himself,” the statement said.