Hochul Puts Press Secretary Avi Small on Leave Over Harassment Allegation

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Published Jul 2, 2025, 11:22 PM

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has placed her press secretary, Avi Small, on administrative leave while the Executive Chamber investigates a sexual-harassment complaint lodged by another state employee. The allegation, first reported by the New York Times, involves claims of inappropriate touching during a staff retreat earlier this month.

Hochul spokesperson Anthony Hogrebe said the aide was removed from duty immediately after the complaint surfaced and emphasized the governor’s “zero tolerance for misconduct” and strengthened workplace protections introduced after she took office in 2021. Small, who joined the administration in 2021 and became chief spokesperson in mid-2023, has not commented publicly on the accusation.

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