Head of CNN Quits Over Relationship with Aide to Andrew Cuomo
The last several months have not been all that kind to both CNN and the Cuomo family, and this week saw a new twist to their tawdry, intertwined tales.
First and foremost, there are at least one dozen women out there who have made credible claims of sexual assault and harassment befalling them at the hands of the disgraced former Governor or New York Andrew Cuomo. Compounding that issue, (and dragging CNN into the fray), were reports that his younger brother, on-air personality Chris Cuomo, had lent his media resources to the embattled Empire State lawmaker in an effort to help squash the uproar surrounding his behavior.
Then Chris himself was hit with a number of similarly-scandalous claims and was forced out of his job at CNN.
Now, in what is yet another example of this strange intermingling, CNN boss Jeff Zucker has resigned from the company after failing to disclose his own relationship with a former aide to Andrew Cuomo.
CNN President Jeff Zucker resigned Wednesday for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a high-ranking colleague who once served as communications director to ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Zucker, 56, in a memo sent to staff said that he should have admitted to that relationship with CNN executive Allison Gollust when he was asked about it during a recent probe by the network of Chris Cuomo, who at the time was a host of a prime-time show there.
Zucker acknowledged the issue outright in his resignation letter.
“As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years,” Zucker said.
“I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong,” said Zucker, who like Gollust is divorced.
“As a result, I am resigning today.”
The revelation could open CNN up to further criticisms, particularly as it pertains to their handling of both the Andrew Cuomo news, and to their leniency in regard to Chris Cuomo’s involvement.
