CNN announced late Saturday afternoon the cable network has fired host Chris Cuomo immediately, costing the outlet dozens of viewers. This follows an investigation into whether he used his position at CNN to benefit his disgraced brother, Andrew Cuomo. Chris Cuomo provided opposition research and strategic advice to his brother’s administration on how to handle the scandal that he had sexually assaulted at least a dozen women. He may have used CNN resources in doing so.
CNN’s statement:
“Chris Cuomo was suspended earlier this week pending further evaluation of new information that came to light about his involvement with his brother’s defense. We retained a respected law firm to conduct the review, and have terminated him, effective immediately While in the process of that review, additional information has come to light. Despite the termination, we will investigate as appropriate.”
Statement on Chris Cuomo’s termination from CNN. pic.twitter.com/yKPwYtMznD
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) December 4, 2021
So much detail here on Chris Cuomo guiding his brother's PR campaignhttps://t.co/XFPA9a2BFb pic.twitter.com/coMhEecrZZ
— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) November 29, 2021
Text messages suggest Chris Cuomo was feeding Melissa DeRosa (Andrew Cuomo's top aide) info about the timing of Ronan Farrow's piece on Andrew's sexual harassment, retaliation.
(There was a period when all of Albany was walking on eggshells, waiting for a Farrow bombshell.) pic.twitter.com/4T1GKCBwDM
— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) November 29, 2021
UPDATE: New York Post reporter, “Source tell (sic) me the “additional information” that’s come to light mentioned at end of CNN statement are sexual harassment allegations”
UPDATE: Chris Cuomo statement on firing:
“This is not how I want my time at CNN to end but I have already told you why and how I helped my brother. So let me now say as disappointing as this is, I could not be more proud of the team at Cuomo Prime Time and the work we did as CNN’s #1 show in the most competitive time slot. I owe them all and will miss that group of special people who did really important work.”
Statement by President of CNN Jeff Zucker to employees:
“Today, I let Chris Cuomo know that we are ending his employment at CNN. It goes without saying that these decisions are not easy, and there are a lot of complex factors involved. But as always it was important to me to be upfront with each of you.”
More on the way out at CNN? “Source: Chris Cuomo will not be the last to be let go (fired). There are a bunch of staffers that are caught up with the Cuomo mess. Also, as the Discovery deal gets closer look to @CNN’s opinion hosts to be next to transition to hard news or be let go.”
Sources from inside CNN said earlier in the week that Jeff Zucker was more upset that Chris Cuomo lied to him than he was of what Cuomo actually did. His firing could be proof of that.
