CNN's Chris Cuomo Fired Over Involvement In Brother Andrew Cuomo's Response To Sexual Harassment Scandal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- CNN has fired anchor Chris Cuomo over his involvement with former governor Andrew Cuomo's sexual harassment scandal.
The network released the following statement Saturday --
"Chris Cuomo was suspended earlier this week pending further evaluation of new information that came to light about his involvement with his brother's defense. We retained a respected law firm to conduct the review, and have terminated him, effective immediately. While in the process of that review, additional information has come to light. Despite the termination, we will investigate as appropriate."
The CNN anchor responded to his termination on Twitter --
"This is not how I want my time at CNN to end but I have already told you why and how I helped my brother. So let me now say as disappointing as this is, I could not be more proud of the team at Cuomo Prime Time and the work we did as CNN's #1 show in the most competitive time slot. I owe them all and will miss that group of special people who did really important work."
Chris Cuomo's suspension was announced Wednesday, just days after Attorney General Letitia James released transcripts that detailed his involvement with how his brother, Andrew Cuomo, addressed sexual harassment allegations.
Andrew Cuomo resigned in August to avoid a likely impeachment trial, after an investigation led by James found he sexually harassed at least 11 women.
According to the transcripts, Chris Cuomo helped the governor's staff get information on his brother's accusers.
On March 4, Chris Cuomo texted the governor's top aide, Melissa DeRosa, saying "I have a lead on the wedding girl," referring to Anna Ruch, who accused his brother of unwanted touching at a wedding reception.
On March 7, as rumors swirled that more women were about to come forward, DeRosa texted Chris Cuomo: "Can u check your sources." He replied, "On it."
In the July deposition, Chris Cuomo said, "When asked, I would reach out to sources, other journalists, to see if they had heard of anybody else coming out."
He was also apparently sometimes conscious about the inflammatory nature of what he was saying, at one point urging DeRosa, "Delete this thread."
Stay with CBS2 News and CBSNewYork.com for the latest on this developing story.
