Popular CNN prime time anchor Chris Cuomo has been suspended indefinitely by the cable news network effective immediately.
Current Events
Network executives released Chris Cuomo on Tuesday after learning he was more involved in the sexual misconduct case against his brother, former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo than previously thought. The news sent shockwaves throughout the news world, particularly since Cuomo’s 9 pm show is regularly CNN’s most-watched hour of the day.
According to documents released on Monday by the New York Attorney General’s office, Chris Cuomo (who holds a law degree) was intimately involved in shaping his brother’s defense. In fact, he used his sources in the media world to seek information about the women who accused his brother of misconduct in order to use the info against them.
“The New York Attorney General’s office released transcripts and exhibits Monday that shed new light on Chris Cuomo’s involvement in his brother’s defense,” CNN spokesperson Matt Dornic said Tuesday evening. “The documents, which we were not privy to before their public release, raise serious questions.
“When Chris admitted to us that he had offered advice to his brother’s staff, he broke our rules and we acknowledged that publicly,” Dornic 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,” Dornic added. “As a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation.”
In other words, Chris Cuomo violated widely accepted journalistic norms by helping his brother hide the truth about his case — while skipping all reports and on-air discussions about the sexual misconduct charges against the fallen governor. Then, he used his position in the media to seek damaging information about the accusers in order to use it against them.
For months, CNN staffers have been angry about Cuomo’s incognito activities, which they’ve called a clear conflict of interest against honest journalism. On Tuesday, Charlotte Bennett (a former aide to Gov. Cuomo who came forward in February and accused him of sexual harassment) called for CNN to “immediately take action.”
“Anything short of firing Chris Cuomo reflects a network lacking both morals and a backbone,” Bennett said in a tweet.
CNN has not officially fired Cuomo, but such a move could be imminent in light of the indefinite suspension.
Was Chris Cuomo correct to put family first and help his own brother during the most urgent and public crisis of his political career? Should the anchor have been more forthright with network honchos regarding involvement in his brother’s case? Or, is CNN doing exactly the right thing here by letting Cuomo go?
Heard about this last evening. A little surprised but not shocked by this revelation.
In tight knit families with strong bonds, sibs taking up for one another is the norm. I grew up in such a family and we are incredibly close to this day.
My sibs and I were always taught to “Always love one another no matter what. BUT NEVER uphold your sister or brother in the wrong.” THIS is where Chris Cuomo really really messed up!
And it may indeed cost him his job at CNN.