CNN indefinitely suspends Chris Cuomo after text messages to brother’s top aide were released by New York attorney general
CNN has suspended anchor Chris Cuomo indefinitely following new revelations about his involvement in the harassment case against his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D).
“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 said in a statement to The Hill on Tuesday evening.
RAs a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation,” the network said.
“Cuomo Prime Time” is often CNN’s most-watched show of the day, airing at 9 p.m. Eastern time on weeknights.
The CNN anchor had pressed sources for information on his brother’s accusers and reported back to the governor’s staff, and was active helping craft their response to the charges, according to emails and a transcript of his testimony to investigators working for New York’s attorney general.
Chris Cuomo had previously acknowledged talking to his brother and offering advice when the governor faced the harassment charges that led to his resignation. But the information released Nov. 29 revealed far more details about what he did.
The anchor did his show Monday night without mentioning the topic. In the past, he’s said he’s never reported on his brother’s situation for the network and never tried to influence coverage. On-air in August, he said: “I tried to do the right thing,” adding he “wasn’t in control of anything.”
Cuomo interviewed his brother on the air a number of times during the first two months of the COVID-19 epidemic. It was a hit with viewers, although it violated CNN’s policy of not having Cuomo report on his brother, and was a programming choice that has grown worse with time and additional revelations.
Source’ NBC news