CNN’s Chris Cuomo is apologizing after a report revealed he was a part of “strategy” calls advising his brother New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) about sexual misconduct allegations.
During his show “Cuomo Prime Time,” Chris Cuomo said, “I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again.”
He added, “It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot. I never intended for that. I would never intend for that, and I am sorry for that.”
CNN issued a statement on Thursday confirming that Chris Cuomo had been part of “strategy sessions” earlier this year, according to The Washington Post.
The primetime anchor had advised his brother and aides of the governor’s office “on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations made earlier this year by women who had worked with the governor,” the Post reports. Chris Cuomo reportedly told his brother to take a “defiant” position and not resign.
CNN told the Post, “Chris has not been involved in CNN’s extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo — on air or behind the scenes. In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother.”
The statement continued:
“However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor’s staff, which Chris acknowledges. He will not participate in such conversations going forward.”
Chris Cuomo will not be disciplined, CNN shared with the Post.
See Cuomo’s remarks below:
“Being a journalist and a brother to a politician is… a unique challenge, and I have a unique responsibility to balance those roles,” says @ChrisCuomo regarding reports that he offered advice to his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “It was a mistake.” pic.twitter.com/P0GkglgrYM
— Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) May 21, 2021
The Post also reports, “People familiar with the strategy calls set up by the governor’s office earlier this year said while Chris Cuomo regularly joined the discussions, he did not lead the calls, and he mainly gave political advice, rather than addressing the individual accounts of the women or their credibility.”
One on-air reporter at CNN told the Post, “There’s a general sense of frustration,” adding, “I don’t think anyone was surprised they spoke about this, given they are family, but calls with lawyers and staff … wow.”
The report about Cuomo sparked reaction on social media from journalists:
I mean, how do you allow him to continue hosting a show at this point?
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) May 20, 2021
And if you do, how does any woman who experienced sexual harassment and assault even think about going on this show?https://t.co/bavpWiZg9p
Look, I get that it's normal to want to be there for family.
— Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) May 20, 2021
But there's a difference between supporting your brother and participating in DAMAGE CONTROL STRATEGY CALLS WITH HIS STAFF WHEN YOU'RE A F*CKING JOURNALIST EMPLOYED BY A NETWORK THAT COVERS HIM.
Heya @brianstelter @Oliverdarcy – here's a fun media story for you guys to cover. https://t.co/hE5acF4G8I
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) May 20, 2021
Andrew Cuomo recently told reporters that he “never said anything that I believed was inappropriate.” This comes as he is facing several allegations of sexual harassment.
“I never meant to make you feel that way. You may hear it that way. You may interperate that way. And I respect that. And I apologize to you if I said something you think is offensive,” Andrew Cuomo said on May 13.
The governor also said, “Harassment is not making someone feel uncomfortable. That is not harassment. If I just made you feel uncomfortable, that is not harassment. That’s you feeling uncomfortable.”
