CNN’s Jake Tapper says it was inappropriate for his colleague, Chris Cuomo, to advise New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on how to handle sexual harassment allegations lodged against him.
During an interview on The New York Times’ “Sway” podcast, host Kara Swisher said she was “shocked” by the revelation that Chris Cuomo participated in strategy calls for his brother, she also suggested it was “beyond inappropriate.”
Swisher asked Tapper, “The anchor offered an on air apology to his colleagues. Is that enough for you? Is his apology enough and does it affect you?”
“Such a complicated issue. And obviously, this is my company and my home and my workplace,” Tapper responded. “And so, that said, I cannot imagine a world in which anybody in journalism thinks that that was appropriate.”
He continued, “So I agree with that. And he said, Chris, in his apology that he delivered on air, said that he put us in a bad spot. And I would also agree with that. And then just as a last point I would say that I work very hard to be fair and to be ethical and to not cross lines. And I certainly understand the love that Chris has for his brother, and I have a brother and I get it. But that was not a fun day.”
When asked if it affected his work, Tapper said, “It doesn’t affect my work. Their work is not my work and my work is not their work. And yes, we all reflect on each other. But the only thing I have a role in, the only thing I have any control in, because I’m not management, right? I’m not the CNN Bureau Chief of DC, I don’t have a say in anything other than what airs on my show.”
Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported that Chris Cuomo advised Andrew Cuomo “and senior members of the governor’s staff on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations made earlier this year by women who had worked with the governor.”
CNN confirmed Chris Cuomo’s participation in a statement, “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.”
“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,” it added.
The anchor apologized for his participation in the strategy calls during a segment on his show, as IJR reported.
In case you missed it:
“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
“I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again,” Chris Cuomo said, adding, “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.”
