Topline
CNN has barred anchor Chris Cuomo from covering the sexual harassment allegations against his brother, another of the network’s anchors said Thursday, explaining the days-long silence from the “Cuomo Prime Time” anchor that critics have argued is harming his—and CNN’s—credibility.
Key Facts
Brian Stelter, the anchor of CNN’s “Reliable Sources,” said the network’s management has informed Cuomo “he can’t talk about his brother on TV.”
Additionally, Cuomo has been banned from strategizing with the New York governor’s aides on how to respond to the sexual harassment scandal, Stelter said.
The latter part of the ban comes after a report from the New York Attorney General’s office found the CNN anchor participated in strategy sessions with his brother’s aides.
Mentioned four times in the 165-page report, Cuomo was identified as one of several outside advisors who were “regularly provided with confidential and often privileged information” that impacted the government despite having no “formal role, duty or obligation to the state.”
CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.
Key Background
Cuomo previously recognized and apologized for his involvement in advising his brother after it was first reported by The Washington Post in March. “It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot,” the anchor said following significant backlash. He has taken another turn in the hot seat this week after New York State Attorney General Letitia James released a report accusing Cuomo of sexually harassing 11 different women. The CNN anchor did not address the claims against his brother, prompting criticism both inside and outside the network, with some saying he should be suspended or fired from the network.
Crucial Quote
Stelter said he spoke to a number of his colleagues and they feel mixed about it. “As one staffer said: the lines are just too blurred when it comes to Chris,” Stelter said. “But lots of CNNers also expressed support for him and respect for his anchoring skills.”
Tangent
Cuomo said Friday he is taking a weeklong vacation from CNN, which he and Stelter described as routine as he takes time off every year for his birthday. “I’ll be fishing,” Cuomo told fellow CNN anchor Don Lemon during an episode of their public affairs podcast, “The Handoff.” “I’ll be hanging out with you, and I’ll be making memories with the kids… I’m looking forward to it.”
Surprising Fact
Cuomo rarely interviewed his brother during his tenure at CNN before the Covid-19 pandemic, when the governor would frequently appear on “Cuomo Prime Time” to discuss the situation in New York. Those often light-hearted appearances came at a time when the governor’s popularity was skyrocketing, but still drew some ethical scrutiny. Cuomo addressed the allegations against his brother when they first surfaced earlier this year, telling viewers: “I cannot cover it because he is my brother … Of course CNN has to cover it.”
Further Reading
“CNN’s Cuomo Conundrum: A Star Anchor With a Brother in Trouble” (The New York Times)
“CNN’s Chris Cuomo Will Take a Week Off Amid Brother Andrew Cuomo’s Scandal” (Wall Street Journal)
"colleague" - Google News
August 09, 2021 at 03:57AM
https://ift.tt/3jCsChv
Chris Cuomo Silent On Brother’s Sexual Harassment Scandal Because Of Ban From CNN, Colleague Says - Forbes
"colleague" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Uvr5Ps
https://ift.tt/2YviVIP
No comments:
Post a Comment