Hochul’s Press Secretary Suspended Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s press secretary, Avi Small, has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual harassment, the Governor’s office confirmed on Wednesday.

Sources told Spectrum News that the alleged incident occurred on June 16 during an all-staff retreat and was formally reported last week. In response, Small was immediately placed on leave while an investigation is underway.

Governor Hochul’s communications director, Anthony Hogrebe, said in a statement, “Governor Hochul has zero tolerance for misconduct by any New York State employee, and has instituted the strongest workplace protections and training policies in State history. While we cannot comment on an open investigation, as soon as a complaint was brought to the Chamber the employee in question was placed on leave.”

The matter is currently being reviewed by outside legal counsel, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Avi Small has served as Hochul’s press secretary since July 2023. Prior to that, he was appointed as first deputy press secretary shortly after Hochul assumed the governorship in 2021.