Will Chris Cuomo continue on CNN despite his brother's sexual harassment scandal?
The CNN presenter is under pressure after advising his brother, disgraced NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, on how to deal with the sexual assault allegations.
What did Andrew Cuomo do?
The Governor of New York has resigned from his post after he was the subject of a scathing report from the state's Attorney General, which concluded that he sexually harassed 11 women. In one case he threatened one of his accusers who threatened to go public with her allegations.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki insisted that President Biden had not been warned in advance of Cuomo’s decision to step down from office, but that the President supported the decision.
In his resignation statement, Andrew Cuomo said he, "took full responsibility for his actions," but went on to say that in his mind he had, "never crossed the line with anyone." He will step down in two weeks, but could still face an impeachment probe before then. He will be replaced by Kathy Huchol, the first woman to hold the position of Governor of New York.
How was Chris Cuomo involved?
The New York Times reported in May that Chris was advising his brother how to deal with the sexual assault allegations. The report has since been accepted by both CNN and Chris Cuomo.
He is now under pressure to resign for not admitting to this sooner, not to mention a conflict of interest with his role as a news anchor and reporting on the ongoing situation with his brother. CNN later said that it was, “inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor’s staff, which Chris acknowledges.”
CNN's chief media correspondent, Brian Seltzer, was recently on The Late Show, where he was grilled by Stephen Colbert about Chris' role in the scandal.
In the latest development, Chris reportedly advised Andrew to resign, believing his position was untenable after the release of the Attorney General's report. Chris is now on holiday and CNN executives are said to be 'breathing a sigh of relief' as his absence from the channel coincides with the fallout of his brother's scandal.
What next for Chris?
CNN host Brian Stelter addressed the matter on his program last Sunday, beginning a segment, “Chris Cuomo has a lot to say, but right now he cannot say it.”
“My sources say management has been clear about its position: He is not covering the governor on TV, period, at all,” Stelter added.
Chris Cuomo testified as part of his brother's case to the Attorney General, and anything that could likely damage his or CNN's reputation could force the broadcaster to act.
But for now he remains on CNN's staff and will be back on air when he returns from vacation.