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Harassment-Free New York

@hfny.bsky.social

Fighting for a NY where public servants and all workers have stronger protections against harassment and discrimination, clearer paths to justice, and real accountability for perpetrators.

16 Posts50 Follower 15 Folgt

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · 3w ago

HFNY is shocked to see the Mayor reverse course after campaigning against the sexual misconduct by Cuomo & his enabling team. It's time to stop working with Katz, who deployed many of the same Team Cuomo-style tactics on behalf of Platner. Our statement:

Today, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed his plans to continue working with “top advisor” Morris Katz, whose counsel helped the now-Mayor call out on the campaign trail Andrew Cuomo’s repeated abuse of staff and power. Katz is currently a member of disgraced Maine Senatorial candidate Graham Platner’s inner circle, and rather than take responsibility for Platner’s actions and his own role in covering up and excusing sexual misconduct, Katz doubled down on victim-blaming and public smears of survivors.
We believed the Mayor actually understood the harm that stems from an advisory team enabling and excusing a sex pest. Now, his willingness and eagerness to continue working with Katz in light of recent reporting becomes all the more distressing. Worse, in doing so, Mayor Mamdani is sending a terrible message to the workforce he leads: that he is willing to overlook egregious conduct when it concerns members of his inner circle.

To that end, Katz:
1) Threatened the campaign’s political director – Genevieve McDonald – demanding that she lie to the Wall Street Journal, after she raised serious concerns about Platner’s fitness for office. Katz then smeared her on Twitter: “There should be no place in our politics for incompetent, opportunistic operatives who violate privacy, betray trust, and prioritize vengeance over decency.” McDonald, a long time political professional with deep roots in Maine, was telling the truth. Has Katz ever similarly bullied anyone on Mayor Mamdani’s behalf?
2) Dismissed Lindsay Fyfied, whose claims include that Platner twisted her arm and locked her in a room among other abuses, with a campaign statement calling her claims “categorically false and politically motivated.” This mistreatment spurred Jenny Rancicot to come forward.
3) Denied Jenny Racicot’s allegations of rape with an official statement from the campaign calling them “coached and coordinated by out-of-state establishment operatives,” a particularly hypocritical smear against a survivor-led network of women, given that Katz is not from Maine. Does Mayor Mamdani believe Racicot, and condone the smearing of survivor-led networks?

Mayor Mamdani ran for office against Andrew Cuomo, often citing his repeated violations of the New York State Human Rights Law and subsequent attempts to evade accountability as disqualifying. The Mayor routinely invoked Cuomo’s abuse of staff and power in contrast to his own principles, even inviting Charlotte Bennett as his guest at a debate and claiming to speak for her: “She cannot speak up for herself because you lodged a defamation case against her. I, however, can speak.”
When it was convenient for him, Mayor Mamdani campaigned not only against the sexual misconduct by Cuomo, but also against his enabling team and the entire system of abuse that fed the former Governor’s administration. The Mayor directly benefited from the work of the many women who spoke out against their own abuse and inadvertently helped pave the way for his successful candidacy.

Harassment-Free New York is shocked and disappointed to see the Mayor reverse course now when it relates to one of his own advisors. Principled leadership requires that he apply the same standard to himself and his team as he did to his opponent.
We now ask the Mayor to reconsider his decision to continue working with Katz, by reflecting on his own words: “What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity. And what Andrew Cuomo lacks in integrity, he could never make up for with experience.”

Aaron Rupar@atrupar.com · 3w ago

Mamdani: "The first album I was ever given was a clean version of 'The Blueprint,' which is unfortunate. I learned about the importance of freedom of expression."

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · 4mo ago

🔥New brand, new website, same fight for workers. Thank you so much to @philipleff.bsky.social for the upgraded look, while helping us stay true to our 8 years of work. Check out our website at harassmentfreeny.org

A social media icon that’s a circle filled in liberty green. There are capital letters HFNY in a dark blue. In between F and N is the silhouette of a purple door that’s open.

There are capital letters HFNY in a dark blue. In between F and N is the silhouette of a purple door that’s open.

There is the silhouette of a purple door that’s open. Next to the door are the words harassment-free New York

Erica Vladimer @ericaforny.bsky.social · 9mo ago

After almost 8 years, the NY Commission on Ethics has failed not just me, but government employees across the state. I’m very felt so empty and pissed off all at once.

Jeffrey Klein
c/o Richard A. Portale, Esq.
Portale Randazzo, LLP
245 Main Street, Suite 605
White Plains, New York 10601
RE: Case No. 18-015
Dear Mr. Klein:
On December 30, 2019, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), the predecessor
to the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG), notified you of a hearing
to determine whether you violated Public Officers Law § 74(3)(h) by kissing staff member Erica
vuside the simi siris colaryl, he healing as, id on she 900, 1, and 1,202. delays
After reviewing the full hearing record and discussing the matter at length, the
Commission voted not to issue a Substantial Basis Investigation Report and to close the case.
Under Executive Law § 94(4)(h), the Commission may act only by a majority vote of its
full membership. With an eleven-member Commission, six votes are required. Because the
Commission currently has seven members, two "no" votes prevent a finding or an action.
In this case, the Commission voted on two questions:
1. Is there sufficient evidence in the record to find that you kissed Ms. Vladimer, on
April 1, 2015, without her consent; and
2. If there is sufficient evidence in the record to find that a single kiss occurred, and was
immediately rejected by Ms. Vladimer, would that constitute a violation of Public
Officers Law § 74(3)(h).

Both votes failed to achieve the required majority.
Question 1: 5-2 vote [Yes: Vice Chair Ayers, Caraballo, Caras, Edwards, and
Groenwegen; No: Austin and Chair James]
Question 2: 2-5 vote [Yes: Chair James and Vice Chair Ayers; No: Austin, Caras,
Caraballo, Edwards, and Groenwegen]
Because neither question received the necessary six votes, the Commission will not issue
a Substantial Basis Investigation Report. This matter is now closed.
This decision should not be read as an approval of the way in which you handled the
complaint. The record shows that you failed to comply with New York State Senate Harassment
Policy requiring the reporting of this incident to designated independent Senate staff. However,
this issue was not part of the allegations against you.
Please be advised that, pursuant to 19 NYCRR Part 941.16, the Commission has
determined that disclosure of this letter is in the public interest and, therefore, the letter will be
disclosed to the public.

Donna Ladd said what she said. 😘@donnerkay.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Re-upping my Epstein essay from August as new information emerges today. Caution: disturbing descriptions of my and others’ sexual assaults. Release all the damn files. This is the ultimate test of this nation’s useless partisanship.

Ashton Pittman@ashtonpittman.bsky.social · last yr.

"I understand why women are afraid to come forward. I didn’t call the cops on my rapist & I’ve never named him publicly. It’s sure not because I’m protecting him. I’m protecting myself. Nobody would've believed this trailer-park girl vs that Big Man On Campus," @donnerkay.bsky.social writes.

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · 9mo ago

“I need these predator networks to learn that they can no longer rely on protection systems that allow them to get away with this until they die rich, happy, honored and accomplished…” www.mississippifreepress.org/democracy-th...

The Epstein Saga Is Not a Game. It’s About Protecting Women.

Donna Ladd reflects on her own story amid the still-unfolding Jeffrey Epstein saga of rape, retribution and the protection of sexual predators.

mississippifreepress.org

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Our Founding Director, @ericaforny.bsky.social, wrote a guest post for the National Women's Defense League Worked Up Substack. Read more about how survivor advocacy defeated a powerful perpetrator in the NYC mayoral race: open.substack.com/pub/natwomen...

A screenshot of the substack post linked in the skeet that says: Why This Victory Matters
On August 10, 2021, Cuomo resigned as New York State Governor (to avoid impeachment) after an independent investigation found that he sexually harassed at least 11 women—many of whom worked for him—and created a toxic and retaliatory work environment. In the months and years after his resignation, Cuomo spent tens of millions of taxpayer dollars weaponizing the legal system against the women he was found to have harassed. It was clear that Cuomo’s mayoral bid was more about power than a desire to represent the largest city in the country.

And survivors were having none of that shit.

As a co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group and now the Founding Director of Harassment-Free New York (HFNY), I worked closely with other survivor advocates and activists to ensure voters knew exactly who Andrew Cuomo is. What made this campaign successful wasn’t just passion—it was strategy, infrastructure, and sustained organizational capacity. Here are two important and replicable strategies that can be applied in jurisdictions across the country:

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · 9mo ago

New York City doesn't want a Mayor who sexually harasses his staff and the women he's supposed to represent. New York City doesn't want a corrupt mayor. Bye, Andrew 👋

“Tonight, New Yorkers sent an unmistakable message: we will not tolerate corruption, and we will not forget.
“Over a year ago, Harassment-Free New York began reminding voters of who Andrew Cuomo really is—a corrupt ex-politician using our taxpayer dollars to wage legal warfare against the women he sexually harassed. Working alongside survivors and advocates, we made sure every voter understood what we've known all along: sexual harassment is the canary in the corruption coal mine.

“By rejecting Cuomo's comeback attempt and electing Zohran Mamdani, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers declared that sexual harassment is corruption—and we've had enough.
“But our work is far from over. Cuomo is still using taxpayer funds to harass his victims while trying to silence others with a defamation suit. Cuomo and his team of enablers are the poster children of a system that has allowed corruption to flourish for far too long in New York.

“Tonight, we celebrate closing this absurd chapter—the chapter where Cuomo thought he could waltz back into the political arena as if nothing happened. The chapter where some people told us that threats and bullying and fear-mongering were acceptable in the name of ‘progress.’ Instead, New Yorkers spoke up, and proudly declared enough was enough.
“Tomorrow, we get back to work. Harassment-Free New York will continue leading the fight to make every workplace, including the halls of government, a safe environments for everyone. Tonight's mandate gives us strength. And we're just getting started.”

Erica Vladimer @ericaforny.bsky.social · 10mo ago

“The woman said in a statement said she never felt uncomfortable…and never made a complaint,” why yes because society has made it so very safe for women to voice their discomfort and file formal complaints.

Anna Bower@annabower.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Paul Ingrassia is now threatening to sue Politico: “This vexatious political attack masquerading as "journalism" is defamatory and will be addressed in forthcoming litigation.”

Erica Vladimer @ericaforny.bsky.social · 10mo ago

One more thing: this is classic DARVO. Deny (I didn’t do it/do anything wrong) Attack (I’m going to sue you) Reverse Victim & Offender (You’re trying to tank my amazing career and job prospects)

Anna Bower@annabower.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Paul Ingrassia is now threatening to sue Politico: “This vexatious political attack masquerading as "journalism" is defamatory and will be addressed in forthcoming litigation.”

Erica Vladimer @ericaforny.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Making fun of the harassment, bullying, and abuse that staffers and even reporters experienced at the hands of Cuomo (and his circle) isn’t funny.

Dana Rubinstein @danarubinsteinbsky.bsky.social · 12mo ago

City Hall apparently spent money to put whistles on reporters' chairs at this presser -- for the women reporters who have to spend time with Cuomo, Adams says.

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · 12mo ago

After months of pushing, HFNY’s original co-founders secured NY’s first public hearing on sexual harassment in 30 years. Survivors, experts, & advocates spoke openly for 12+ hours. And we secured multiple legislative wins as a result. Listen to survivors. Lift up survivors. Let survivors lead.

How 7 Women Helped Put Sexual Harassment on New York’s Agenda (Published 2019)

New York lawmakers are about to hold their first public hearing on harassment in almost 30 years. Here, those who made it happen reflect on their push to change the culture in the Capitol.

bit.ly

Rep. Summer Lee@repsummerlee.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Survivors of Epstein and his accomplices have waited too long for justice. Their voices deserve to be heard in their words and on their terms. That’s why I joined @pressley.house.gov and our @oversightdemocrats.house.gov colleagues to demand a hearing that centers them first and foremost.

Erica Vladimer @ericaforny.bsky.social · last yr.

Every person deserves a harassment-free workplace. A strong investigative process is one that centers the person who was hurt. And when they experience harassment, they deserve support and guidance. @hfny.bsky.social is here to provide support if you need it.

Any investigation of workplace sexual harassment must not only be thorough, speedy and independent— it must also be survivor centered. Knowing how others who have come forward were treated in the past, I hope the person who made the complaint is getting the support and guidance they deserve.

Erica Vladimer @ericaforny.bsky.social · last yr.

I’m glad Brittany will close this chapter, but the settlement clause banning her from seeking employment in the Gov’s office is absolute bull. These blackball clauses (which the Gov. also imposed on Charlotte) should be banned. @hfny.bsky.social has a bill that will do just that.

Casey Seiler@caseyseiler.bsky.social · last yr.

Cuomo relaunch week ends with $450K settlement reached by state with Brittany Commisso, the former gubernatorial aide who in 2021 leveled what were arguably the most serious sexual harassment allegations against the former governor. Brendan Lyons reports.

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · last yr.

@gothamist.com reported yesterday that Small was already investigated for his treatment of staff. The fact that he was still in a position to allegedly sexually harass someone is deeply concerning. Gov. Hochul must transparently remedy the gaps in the executive chamber worker protections policies.

A tweet that says: UPDATE: Avi Small, Gov. Kathy Hochul's press secretary, resigned today. He had been placed on leave last week and was being investigated after another aide accused him of inappropriate touching.

Is quote tweeted, saying: Recent reports indicate that the executive chamber's worker protections and accountability protocols have significant gaps that need to be addressed. Mr. Small’s resignation should not close the book on transparently rectifying these deficiencies.

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · last yr.

We just learned that Gov. Kathy Hochul's spokesperson was placed on leave while an investigation takes place into a sexual harassment complaint made against them for inappropriate touching. In response, Founding Director of Harassment-Free New York Erica Vladimer made the following statement:

“Any investigation of workplace sexual harassment must not only be thorough, speedy, and independent— it must also be survivor-centered. Knowing how others who have come forward were treated in the past, I hope the person who made the complaint gets the support and guidance they deserve.”

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · last yr.

Last week, HFNY Founding Director @ericaforny.bsky.social joined @lindseyboylan.bsky.social, @char-bennett.bsky.social & @biaggi4ny.bsky.social to call on state leaders to take urgent action against Cuomo’s continued abuse of taxpayer resources and legal intimidation tactics. 1/

"New Yorkers just rejected Andrew Cuomo at the ballot box. Now it's time for our state leaders to reject his taxpayer-funded retribution," said Erica Vladimer, Founding Director of Harassment-Free Albany. “Survivors and whistleblowers shouldn’t have to live in fear of being dragged through the legal system simply for telling the truth.”
Speakers also advocated for the swift passage of the Speak Your Truth Act, a bill designed to protect workers and public servants from retaliatory defamation lawsuits. The legislation would provide essential protections to those who come forward with allegations of harassment or misconduct, shielding them from the kind of legal harassment that survivors and former Cuomo staffers are currently enduring.

“We know that perpetrators abuse the legal system to silence their victims through retaliatory defamation lawsuits,” said survivor-advocate Charlotte Bennett. “New York deserves laws that reflect the reality of the legal system in which these suits are retaliatory in nature and muzzle the very people we're trying to protect. This isn't about politics. This isn't about a single individual. The decision is really between supporting survivors and workers and making sure that there are protections in place for them to share their experiences.”

“In 2019, New York really was the pinnacle of leadership, passing the strongest laws for sexual harassment protection, putting survivors voices first and having hearings and making sure that New York continued to be a light for the rest of the nation when it came to sexual harassment and the protections that could be passed,” said former State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “Now, today, in 2025, it is time to take that next step. We need a commitment from the legislature to pass the Speak Your Truth Act. And there is no excuse any longer to be funding any of the retaliation and, frankly, cruelty that Andrew Cuomo is pursuing by continuing to drag his survivors through the court system. We must cut off his funding, Comptroller DiNappoli. We will have your back when you do it. And we will make sure that Andrew Cuomo's reign of terror ends.”

Tuesday’s election was a public repudiation of the kind of corrupt, vindictive politics Cuomo represents. Advocates say it's now up to state leaders to follow through on voters’ demands for accountability and to end the misuse of public money in service of political revenge.
“Abusing the women who work for you, as Andrew Cuomo has done relentlessly, is something that every leader should care about and repudiate,” said survivor-advocate Lindsey Boylan. On a more fundamental level, Cuomo’s abuse of women is a symptom of his deep abuse of every kind of power he has ever had. New York lawmakers are either against this abuse or they’re supporting it. There are only two sides here.”

Harassment-Free New York @hfny.bsky.social · last yr.

Introducing Harassment-Free New York: the next step in the Sexual Harassment Working Group’s 7-year fight for workplaces free of harassment and discrimination.

Five women standing in front of a brown paneled wall with their arms around each other smiling for the picture.

Digital flier that explains what HFNY is.

Who we are: Since 2018, the Sexual Harassment Working Group has operated as an all-volunteer workers' collective, securing multiple legislative victories and becoming a leading voice in holding powerful individuals accountable for workplace harassment and discrimination. In 2025, with workplace and gender-based violence on the rise and new political challenges to worker safety and dignity, we're taking this vital work to the next level by launching Harassment-Free New York.

What We’ve Accomplished: Organized the first public hearing on sexual harassment in NY in 27 years; Successfully advocated for New York's strengthened sexual harassment protections, including the enactment of 8 legislative bills; Helped draft the NYS Model Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy; Led the public efforts to hold current and former officials accountable

What’s Next: Harassment-Free New York will build on the success of the Sexual Harassment Working Group, with staff that can give their full attention and resources to the work. Ban non-disclosure agreements and no-rehire clauses, Extend the statute of limitations to file a harassment/discrimination lawsuit, Protect victims of harassment & abuse from defamation lawsuits, Incorporate harassment & discrimination in the NY Public Officers Law ethics code, Strengthen legislative & executive chamber harassment & discrimination policies, Support the unionization of legislative employees
Partner with survivor-justice & good government organizations in coalition spaces.

Public servants, and all workers, deserve stronger protections against harassment and discrimination, clearer paths to justice when they experience it, and tangible accountability for perpetrators.