Hours after The New Yorker published a story detailing several first-hand allegations of abusive and violent behavior, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has resigned his office.
Four women with whom the former Attorney General had romantic relationships with accuse Schneiderman of nonconsensual physical violence. Two of the women, Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, spoke to The New Yorker, alleging Schneiderman repeatedly hit them, often while intoxicated and never with consent. Neither reported their allegations to the police at the time, but both say that they eventually sought medical attention after having been hit. Two other former partners came forward but were not identified.
In a statement, Schneiderman said, “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,” and denied all allegations of non-consensual behavior.
Schneiderman has built much of his recent career around filing challenges to Trump administration policy and fighting on behalf of abuse and harassment victims as part of the #MeToo movement, notably seeking to prosecute Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein.
Solicitor General Barbara Underwood has been named acting attorney general following Schneiderman’s exit. Manhattan and Suffolk County district attorney offices have reportedly opened investigations to address the allegations.
