‘NY TOUCH’: A coincidence?
Typo on Corning Tower comes amid claims made against Cuomo
What happened up there?
The prominent office light display on the state’s soaring Corning Tower, which for months has displayed a heart under the words “NY TOUGH,” lit up Friday night as “NY TOUCH” — an odd typo considering the groping and sexual harassment allegations leveled against Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
No other letters in the display were unsettled, leading to social-media speculation that the edit might not have been a mere accident of a few switched-off office lights.
The display was spotted and photographed by several people Friday evening, including News 10 reporter Trishna Begam, who noted the tail of the G transforming “touch” to “tough” had been restored by about 8:24 p.m.
Despite a number of attempts, the state Office of General Services could not be reached for comment Saturday morning for a possible explanation of the gaffe.
Multiple women, including former and current aides, have accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct. Other women have alleged uncomfortable interactions with the governor. The state Attorney General’s office is overseeing an investigation of the allegations that’s being conducted by two outside attorneys. The claims also are among the topics of a broad impeachment inquiry by the state Assembly’s Judiciary Committee.
Cuomo has repeatedly denied touching women inappropriately and has asked New Yorkers to wait for the results of the Attorney General’s investigation.
The light display has been on since the early days of the pandemic and has been used by
Cuomo’s administration as a rallying cry to help state residents remain strong.
Josh Koppel of Albany said he was at the Empire State Plaza near the Egg when he looked up and saw the “NY TOUCH” display at around 7:40 p.m.
“I was like, ‘Is this intentional?’” Koppel said. “Seems like too coincidental for it to not be.”
Koppel said only the Capitolfacing side of the building said “NY TOUCH.” The other side was still saying “NY TOUGH” when he walked to his car parked near Madison Avenue around 8 p.m.
Koppel said he asked his friend: “Is this coincidence?”