oe Biden has said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general’s investigation confirms the allegations of sexual harassment against him.

When asked if Mr. Cuomo should resign if the investigation confirmed the women’s claims, the US president replied “yes”, adding: “I think he would probably end up being prosecuted too.”

“It takes a lot of courage to come forward, so the presumption is that it has to be taken seriously,” Biden said. “And that should be investigated, and that’s what’s happening now.”

The words in an interview with ABC News to be broadcast Wednesday morning marked a change of language from the president. Less than two days earlier, he had turned down the opportunity to join other Democrats in calling for Mr. Cuomo’s resignation.

The governor is accused of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior towards several women, including several former staff members.

He also faces an allegation that he groped a woman under his shirt after summoning her to the governor’s mansion in Albany late last year. He denied touching women inappropriately.

The three-term governor has rejected calls for his resignation and has asked New Yorkers to wait for the results of the investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Mr Cuomo, speaking after the allegations, said he was “so sorry” for making the women uncomfortable, but denied touching anyone inappropriately.