Eliot Spitzer's lawyer says former New York Governor did not assault woman at Plaza Hotel

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- The lawyer for former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer on Monday night insisted Spitzer did not choke a young Russian woman at a suite in the Plaza Hotel this past weekend.

The NYPD was investigating whether Spitzer assaulted the 25-year-old after she told him she was going back to Russia.

Spitzer's lawyer says the woman at first said there was an assault and then he says she later recanted. The woman is now back in Russia.

The woman's 911 call came in around 8 on Saturday night. Eyewitness News saw detectives going in the hotel, and a crime scene van nearby.

Police went to Spitzer's room and asked if there was a problem. Sources say Spitzer responded, "everything's fine, there's no problem."

Police left, but for some reason returned, and that is when they spotted blood and broken glass. Sources say the woman cut herself and was taken to the hospital. Spitzer went with her, and that is where she originally claimed Spitzer tried to choke her earlier in the night.

Spitzer resigned in 2008, when he was accused of soliciting prostitutes. He tried a political comeback when he ran for City Comptroller two years ago, but lost to Scott Stringer.

At Spitzer's 5th Avenue Apartment, Eyewitness News' cameras were turned away while trying to reach the former governor for comment. Spitzer's spokesperson released a statement saying, "there is no truth to the allegation." True or not, voters are not very sympathetic about Spitzer.

"I think everything being reported on him is true, that's pretty despicable," says Dana Baldani.

"His reputation is really tarnished from what we hear," adds David Ruiz.

Late Monday, Spitzer released a new statement saying,

"The woman who initially made the allegation was not my girlfriend. Lis Smith was my girlfriend, and I had and have deep affection for Lis. She is the love of my life."