New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) says his brother, Chris Cuomo, is not the only journalist who gives him advice.
During a press conference on Monday, the governor was asked by a reporter from the New York Post about the revelation that Chris Cuomo helped advise him on strategy calls.
“I had conversations with my brother. I always have conversations with my brother because he’s my brother and he’s my best friend,” he said, adding, “Obviously, he was aware of what was going on and I talked to him about it, and he told me his thoughts. He always tells me his thoughts. Sometimes I follow them, sometimes I don’t. He was not covering the story. He had recused himself from the story.”
He went on to say, “I talk to journalists about situations all the time and they tell me their thoughts and their advice.”
The governor’s comments come as his brother and CNN anchor, Chris Cuomo, is facing criticism after it was reported that he joined “strategy” calls with the governor to discuss how to handle sexual harassment allegations.
CNN confirmed in a statement that Chris Cuomo helped advise his brother “on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations made earlier this year by women who had worked with the governor.”
“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,” the statement said.
It added, “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.”
The network told The Washington Post it will not discipline Chris Cuomo.
“I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again,” Cuomo said during his show on Thursday. “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.”