New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faces a growing risk of impeachment over sexual harassment allegations. 

The head of the state assembly from the Democratic Party - still a key ally - has given the green light to an official investigation into the allegations of harassment, AFP reported.

Cuomo, 63, whose third term is set to expire in 2022, has come under scrutiny since late February after five women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.

The Times Union newspaper recently reported that Cuomo slipped his hand under an employee's blouse and aggressively touched it.

Aides to the governor, famous for his outspoken pragmatism during the first onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, were forced to notify police of the allegations.

The allegations prompted 59 Democratic lawmakers in the 213-member state legislature to join dozens of Republicans in publicly calling for Cuomo's resignation.

This investigation will run in parallel with another investigation already announced by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.