Watch CBS News

Spokesperson for Eliot Spitzer denies assault allegation

Former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is denying allegations of choking a woman during a hotel altercation
Eliot Spitzer denies assault accuations 01:16

NEW YORK --A spokesperson for Eliot Spitzer is denying assault allegations that the former governor of New York choked a woman at a Manhattan hotel Saturday night, reports CBS New York.

Police were seen parked across the street from the Plaza Hotel Sunday night as detectives worked inside, investigation an accusation that Spitzer assaulted a woman, believed to be in her 20s, the station reports.

Sources told CBS New York that the alleged altercation began Saturday night, because the woman, who had been a friend of Spitzer's for two years, was planning to return to her native Russia. The woman initially claimed that Spitzer pushed her and put his hands around his neck.

Eliot Spitzer accused of choking woman at NYC hotel 00:30

Lisa Linden, a spokesperson for the former governor, denied the accusations in a brief statement released to CBS New York.

"There is no truth to the allegation," Linden said.

The woman is no longer cooperating with police, according to the station. Spitzer has not been questioned, sources said.

In 2008, Spitzer resigned as governor after a federal investigation revealed he had hired prostitutes. He tried to make a political comeback in 2013, but lost in the Democratic primary for New York City Comptroller.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.