commisso? >> i have hugged her. initiated many of the hugs. >> reporter: ultimately denying the criminal charge against him. >> it would be an act of insanity to touch a woman's breast and make myself vulnerable to a woman for such an accusation. >> reporter: a spokesperson for cuomo blasting the attorney general, calling monday's unveiling a manipulated release of handpicked witness testimony with selective redaction. all of this a stunning reversal for one of the most powerful politicians in the country. once hailed for his assertive response to the coronavirus pandemic. >> new york tough means tough. but tough in a new york sense also means compassionate. >> reporter: many across the country tuned in to his daily press conferences for guidance. >> we're going to get through it. because we are new york. >> reporter: but his leadership would be clouded by controversy, as multiple women began to come forward last december with allegations of sexual harassment. >> that is just not who i am. >> the governor wanted an