CNN has fired news anchor and correspondent Chris Cuomo amid an investigation into his efforts to help his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, deal with allegations of sexual misconduct.
In a statement on Saturday, the network said “additional information” had come to light during its inquiry into Cuomo’s involvement in his brother’s case.
Cuomo, 51, who hosted CNN’s most-watched prime-time news show, had been suspended on Tuesday.
He had admitted in May that he had broken some of the cable news network’s rules in advising his brother how to handle the allegations from a public relations perspective.
Andrew Cuomo, 63, was forced to step down as governor in August after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. He has denied any wrongdoing.
In its statement, CNN said, “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,” it added.
“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,” he said.
In journalism, it is considered a breach of ethics to use one’s position to advocate for a personal cause or to conduct investigations for personal reasons.
Chris Cuomo was initially suspended after New York Attorney General Letitia James showed text and other messages in which he sought to use his own sources in news media outlets to find out information on the case and the women involved in it.
A criminal complaint charging Andrew Cuomo with a misdemeanour sex offence was filed on October 29 in a New York court.
Marissa Hoechstetter, a victims’ rights advocate, tweeted: “As a survivor who has trusted CNN with my story, it is deeply disturbing that Chris Cuomo remains employed.
“His unethical behavior – plus that of anyone giving him any info in the first place – should be disqualifying for a journalist. If they keep him on, they can’t be trusted.”
Charlotte Bennett, an alleged victim of sexual misconduct by Andrew Cuomo, said: “Just like his older brother, Chris Cuomo used his time, network and resources to help smear victims, dig up opposition research, and belittle our credible allegations.
“Anything short of firing Chris Cuomo reflects a network lacking both morals and backbone. Does CNN stand by journalistic integrity, or will it simply excuse his actions because Chris Cuomo drives ratings?”
Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, gained national fame last year during the COVID-19 outbreak for his briefings about how New York was dealing with the pandemic and would often appear on his brother’s show then.
Chris Cuomo, who had tested positive for the coronavirus and at one point was self-isolating in his basement, had virtually participated in a briefing his brother was holding for other reporters.
The two brothers’ father, the late Mario Cuomo, also served as governor of New York.
