The publication New Yorker reported Monday that after a consultation with the state governor, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.
The report detailed allegations of assault against at least four different women following an expose by the Associated Press news agency; Schneiderman was allegedly involved in relationships with the women in recent years.
Some of the women claimed that Schniederman was a heavy drinker.
Late Monday evening Schneiderman issued a statement, declaring:
“In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity. I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in non-consensual sex, which is 1 line I would not cross.
“It’s been my great honor and privilege to serve as attorney general for the people of the State of New York. In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me.
“While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018.”
The AG’s office is reportedly at present engaged in a campaign against sexual misconduct.
Schneiderman gave the daily fantasy sports sector a hard time several years ago, when he ordered DraftKings and FanDuel to cease and desist operations in New York, claiming the activity was illegal (see previous reports). The issues have since been resolved.