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Former Campaign Intern Accuses Scott Stringer Of Sexual Abuse, Harassment
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Apr 28, 2021
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Elizabeth Kim / Gothamist
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Apr 28, 2021
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A woman who worked as an unpaid intern for Scott Stringer two decades ago plans to publicly accuse the city comptroller and mayoral candidate of sexual abuse and harassment, including repeated acts of unwanted kissing and touching, according to a statement provided by her attorney.
The woman, Jean Kim, who has worked in city politics as a lobbyist, is scheduled to speak about the incidents at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
Patricia Pastor, a Long Island-based attorney who issued a press release late Tuesday, provided Gothamist with a copy of the statement her client is prepared to read. She said Kim is currently in her 40s and lives in New York City.
The Stringer campaign did not respond to the specific allegations, although in response to an earlier press release, which did not name the accuser, strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"I firmly believe that all survivors of harassment have the right to come forward," Stringer said. "I will reserve further comment until this person has had the opportunity to share their story. For now, let me say without equivocation: these allegations are untrue and do not reflect my interactions with anyone, including any woman or member of my staff."
According to the statement, Kim said she was introduced to Stringer in 2001 by Eric Schneiderman, the disgraced former state attorney general who resigned after several women accused him of physical assault. She said she later joined the Community Free Democrats Club, a political club on the West Side which she said was headed by Stringer at the time.
"One evening, shortly before the primary, I was talking to Stringer about the primary when without warning, and without my consent, he kissed me using his tongue, put his hand down my pants and groped me inside my underpants. I pulled away and tried to avoid him," the statement reads.
She said Stringer warned her not to tell anyone about what happened.
Afterwards, she said she avoided him but that when she saw him again, he told her that he could make her the first Asian district leader on the Upper West Side. She alleges that he told her, “You would have to prove your loyalty to me.”
Kim also said that Stringer touched her inappropriately during taxi rides to and from campaign events, repeatedly putting his hands on her thighs and between her legs.
She said he asked her on more than one occasion, “Why won’t you fuck me?”
Kim said she ultimately left the political club and moved to the Upper East Side.
"I have tried my best to put this chapter of my life behind me, but I am coming forward now because being forced to see him in my living room TV everyday pretending to be a champion for women’s rights sickens me when I know the truth," her statement reads.
She continues: "I never disclosed this before because I was fearful of his vindictive nature and that he would retaliate against me and destroy my career in politics. I could not be here without the support of my loving fiancé, my good friends and family who support me. I thank the women sexual abuse victims who have courageously spoken out before so that I no longer have to suffer silently in the shadows."
The statement goes on to demand that Stringer resign and withdraw from the mayoral race immediately. Stringer has said Governor Andrew Cuomo should resign after multiple woman recounted incidents of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment in the governor's office.
Kim's attorney said her client approached her several weeks ago. She said the state statute of limitations prevents them from filling a sexual harassment complaint.
With eight weeks left to go until the primary, the charges come at a pivotal moment in the mayoral race. Stringer on Tuesday announced the rollout out of his first TV ad, a 30-second commercial which will cost roughly $1 million to run on cable, broadcast, and digital platforms.
After a slow start, the campaign seemed to be gaining some momentum, lifted by key endorsements from groups like the Working Families Party and the teachers' union.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Tagged
mayoral campaign
election 2021
scott stringer
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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