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Who is Elizabeth Dufort? Andrew Cuomo tells doctor 'you make that gown look good' in 'creepy' Covid test remarks

Dr Dufort was one of the nine medical professionals who resigned last month after Cuomo ignored the advice of experts

New York's embattled Governor Andrew Cuomo faces fresh allegations of sexual harassment after a May 2020 video with Dr Elizabeth Dufort has gone viral. In the resurfaced old video, the governor can be heard telling the doctor who is administering him a Covid-19 test: "You make that gown look good." The incident is from May 17, 2020, at one of Cuomo's daily briefings. 

The doctor does not directly respond to Cuomo's comments, asking him to tilt his head back for the test instead. Dr Dufort has also not yet commented on the video, which many people are sharing online while calling Cuomo "creepy". This is the latest nail in the coffin for the Democratic governor, who is facing calls to resign after three women have accused him of sexual harassment.

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In light of the accusations, the video could prove problematic for the governor. Photos of Cuomo sexually harassing Anna Ruch, a former White House photographer have also made their way to the internet. Cuomo is currently facing calls to resign, as well as for investigations into his behavior. 

Who is Dr Dufort?

Dr Dufort served as a medical director of the epidemiology division of the New York State Department of Health. She, along with eight other colleagues resigned in January 2021 over differences with Cuomo's vaccination strategy. The high-profile resignations underscore just how badly Cuomo has battled the pandemic, preferring to set his own rules over following guidelines from the CDC.

She is a pediatric infectious disease expert with over 19 years of experience. In 2002, she graduated from Buffalo State University Of New York School Of Medicine. Her primary office is located in Albany, with a secondary office in Rhode Island. According to Researchgate, she also has 28 publications in the areas of epidemiology and Covid-19. 

Dr Dufort was on stage to give Cuomo a Covid-19 test in May 2020, just as the state was locking down. In full PPE kit, she gave Cuomo a test and walked off stage. 

Was it harassment?

Shortly after the video resurfaced, many users took to Twitter to call Cuomo 'creepy' for his actions. "This guy is beyond creepy! He makes my skin crawl" said one user. Another called for Cuomo to be jailed, tweeting "How many more posts till we understand Andrew is a creep. Just put him in jail already". Another pointed out the similarities to Trump, saying "Cuomo is starting to look like presidential material."

Some people also came out to defend Cuomo, with one user saying "Sound like he's complimenting her to me. I don't know what this cancel culture bull is about; but I like when men compliment me. Just don't do unwanted touching." "Eh. I personally like to be complimented and think this is ridiculous" another said.