CNN says it will be “having conversations” about documents revealing new details about Chris Cuomo’s attempts to help his brother.
The network issued a statement following a report released by the New York attorney general surrounding Chris Cuomo’s request to help with former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) defense against allegations of sexual harassment.
“The thousands of pages of additional transcripts and exhibits that were released today by the NY Attorney General deserve a thorough review and consideration,” the network said.
The statement continued, “We will be having conversations and seeking additional clarity about their significance as they relate to CNN over the next several days.”
NEW full statement from CNN on the Chris Cuomo transcripts and exhibits. The spokesman tells me the documents deserve a "thorough review and consideration." The rep notes more conversations ahead at CNN about their significance. https://t.co/RuutMBQzic pic.twitter.com/Yg81sTEK4C
— Brian Schwartz (@schwartzbCNBC) November 29, 2021
Chris Cuomo reportedly texted his brother’s top aide Melissa DeRosa in March, saying, “Please let me help with the prep.”
DeRosa later asked the CNN anchor about a “rumor going around from politico 1-2 more ppl coming out tomorrow.”
He replied, saying he was “on it,” later adding, “No one has heard that yet.”
Several journalists took to Twitter to respond to the report.
Rolling Stone editor-in-chief Noah Schachtman said, “If this story is accurate, it describes a series of shocking ethical breaches — fireable offenses at any other news outlet.”
If this story is accurate, it describes a series of shocking ethical breaches — fireable offenses at any other news outlet. https://t.co/EqFsllFk9m
— Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) November 29, 2021
MSNBC columnist Eric Michael Garcia argued, “If anyone else on CNN’s roster did this, they’d not only be fired but blacklisted from journalism period.”
Just to be clear, if anyone else on CNN's roster did this, they'd not only be fired but blacklisted from journalism period. https://t.co/lw5pyAE4g0
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) November 29, 2021
In August, Chris Cuomo spoke out about not covering Andrew Cuomo’s scandal, as IJR previously reported.
“I never covered my brother’s troubles because I obviously have a conflict, and there are rules at CNN about that. I said last year that his appearances on this show would be short-lived, and they were. The last was over a year ago, long before any kind of scandal,” Chris Cuomo explained.
He added, “I also said back then that a day would come when he would have to be held to account, and I can’t do that. I said point blank, I can’t be objective when it comes to my family, so I never reported on the scandal, and when it happened, I tried to be there for my brother.”
Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation in August.