Breaking News: CNN Host Chris Cuomo Gets the Ax Indefinitely

Suzanne Rothberg

3 years ago

CNN has officially suspended prime-time anchor and brother of former disgraced NY governor Andrew Cuomo indefinitely over leaked documents revealed the ‘cozy’ and improper relationship with aides to his brother former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Watch this clip on NBC News on YouTube

According to CNN, the former anchorman is declining to comment on the incident. The cable network decided to pull the plug on Cuomo. The leaked documents revealed that Cuomo was more intimately involved than previously known in shaping his brother’s defense.

The New York State Attorney General’s released the transcripts noting that “The documents, which we were not privy to before their public release, raise serious questions.” A CNN spokesperson revealed Tuesday night.

“When Chris admitted to us that he had offered advice to his brother’s staff, he broke our rules and we acknowledged that publicly,” the spokesperson continued. “But we also appreciated the unique position he was in and understood his need to put family first and job second.”

“However, these documents point to a greater level of involvement in his brother’s efforts than we previously knew,” the spokesperson added. “As a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation.”

It was announced by CNN Tuesday that an extra hour of Anderson Cooper will take Chris Cuomo’s Prime Time show’s place.His show is usually scheduled for 9 PM but has been suspended indefinitely. Cuomo vowed to stay on TV despite the sexual allegations now pending against him.

His brother former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned back in August over a flurry of sexual misconduct investigations. It seems to be a ‘double whammy’ involving improper behavior with both siblings.

The suspension came after significant criticism from people that Cuomo had violated widely accepted journalistic norms and policies. CNN staffers expressed dismay regarding the anchor’s conduct. Former aide Charlotte Bennett to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo came forward and accused Cuomo of sexual harassment back in February.

My response, following yesterday’s news. @CNN, it’s time to do the right thing. https://t.co/RuDbnrW7fC pic.twitter.com/DIgepzO5bW

— Charlotte Bennett (@_char_bennett_) November 30, 2021

It was unexpected when Andrew Cuomo resigned as governor in August, Chris Cuomo told CNN viewers that he was “not an advisor,” but “a brother.” He acknowledged that he talked with his brother’s aides and gave his “take” until CNN told him to stop doing so in May.

CNN admitted that Chris had not been involved in CNN’s exclusive coverage of the fallout of the former Governor on the air or behind the scenes or engaging in conversation in aiding his brother’s defense as it is considered to be a violation and conflict of interest.

The “Cuomo Prime Time” anchor also said on the air in August, “I never attacked nor encouraged anyone to attack any woman who came forward. I never made calls to the press about my brother’s situation.”

Chris Cuomo apologized on the air to his viewers on how he helped his brother and said, he is “family first” and “job second.”

“It will not happen again. It was a mistake, because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot,” he said. “I never intended for that I would never intend for that and I am sorry for that.”