Sandra Lee, American television chef and ex-girlfriend to Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), scolded the internet for “body shaming” the governor during a public health crisis, and spreading a rumor that he has piercings on his nipples.
“I woke up this morning to a lot of stuff going on online, a lot of stories being written and a lot of nonsense being said, and I just want to say, body shaming is not okay, it’s never going to be okay,” said Lee, in an exclusive video message to Page Six.
“When people are out on the front lines, working so hard for all of our benefits, to then turn around and body shame? Shame on you, knock it off,” said Lee, who dated Cuomo for over a decade. “Do something to uplift people and make the world a better place, not take cheap shots that are unnecessary.”
“Anyway, I hope you all have a great day and think about that for a little while, and I send you all my love and best wishes,” she said, reports the news agency.
Lee’s message comes a day after The New York Post published an article about the New York governor’s body, titled “Andrew Cuomo’s Nipples Take Our Mind Off Coronavirus.” The article featured comments from a Reddit thread, where someone posted a picture of the governor in a polo shirt and remarked, “Is it just me or is Cuomo’s nipple totally pierced.”
When asked for comment by The Post, a spokesperson for the governor’s office affirmatively dismissed the rumor that the governor’s nipples are pierced: “Of course not, sorry, internet.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, Cuomo has been experiencing extremely high levels of support among New Yorkers amidst his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with a total of 87% of respondents approving of the governor, including 70% of Republicans.
The governor’s popularity has prompted President Trump to indicate that he wouldn’t mind running against him during the upcoming presidential election, reports NBC News.
“If he’s going to run, that’s fine,” said Trump on Monday. “I wouldn’t mind running against Andrew. I’ve known Andrew for a long time. I wouldn’t mind that but I’ll be honest, I think he’d be a better candidate than sleepy Joe.”
But the buzz about the governor’s potential presidential ambitions appears to be as true as the piercing rumor, at least for now. As The Daily Wire reported on Monday, Cuomo was interviewed by CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, the governor’s younger brother, and declined ever having presidential aspirations.
CHRIS: With all of this adulation you’re getting for doing your job, are you thinking about running for president? Tell the audience.
ANDREW: No. No.
CHRIS: No, you won’t answer?
ANDREW: No. I answered. The answer is no. Sometimes it’s one word. I said, “No.”
CHRIS: No, you’re not thinking about it? Have you thought about it?
ANDREW: No.
CHRIS: Are you open to thinking about it?
ANDREW: No.
CHRIS: Might you think about it at some point?
ANDREW: No.
Governor Cuomo then praised former Vice President Joe Biden for his leadership capabilities and experience: “I think he’s been extraordinary on a number of levels. I think he’s a good man. I think he has a good heart. I think he has a good soul. I think he’s well meaning. He’s knowledgeable as heck. He has wisdom. And I think he’s a leader.”