CNN anchor Chris Cuomo apologized for taking part in calls with his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on how to handle sexual harassment claims against him.
Following Thursday news reports over the communications, CNN dubbed its prime-time anchor’s behavior as “inappropriate,” adding that he would not be participating in any such conversations with his brother and his allies moving forward.
“I understand why that was a problem for CNN,” Cuomo said Thursday on his show, Cuomo Prime Time. “It will not happen again. 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’s @ChrisCuomo apologizes for advising his brother, Governor Andrew Cuomo, on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations:
“It was a mistake… I am sorry for that.” pic.twitter.com/6HQCSDqzej
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 21, 2021
Cuomo took part in a series of conference calls earlier this year that had included Gov. Cuomo’s communications team, a top aide, lawyers, and outside advisers, according to the Washington Post. The CNN host was said to have discouraged the governor from resigning amid growing calls to step down and cited “cancel culture” as a reason to resist.
CNN said the anchor had intentionally not taken part in extensive coverage of the allegations his brother continues to face because objectivity could not be held in such coverage, which the host acknowledged.
“This is no revelation. I’ve said it publicly, and I certainly have never hidden it. I can be objective about just about any topic, but not about my family,” Cuomo said.
The network also said Cuomo would not be disciplined.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo faces sexual harassment accusations from more than 10 women, most of whom were former aides, staffers, or those close to the governor’s political circle. The allegations have resulted in two investigations: New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the claims at the state level, and New York state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is directing an “impeachment investigation” to look into the matter in the Legislature.
The governor apologized for making anyone feel uncomfortable but has denied there being any inappropriate touching. The Democrat also faces other controversies and investigations, including for his handling of nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
