The already struggling network, CNN, must absorb another blow as the rumors of sexual misconduct are made public against its former anchor Chris Cuomo.
CNN reportedly came to learn about new sexual misconduct allegations against its former, and now disgraced, anchor Chris Cuomo. This revelation came days prior to his firing, suggesting a deeper issue for both the network and the former anchor.
The accusations were brought forward on Wednesday from prominent attorney Debra S. Katz, who is representing the accuser, according to The New York Times.
This new accuser and client of Katz is a “former junior colleague at another network” and it appears clear that the recently exposed allegation against Chris Cuomo is “unrelated to the Gov. Andrew Cuomo matter.”
Katz said her client “came forward because she was disgusted by Chris Cuomo’s on-air statements in response to the allegations made against his brother, Gov. Andrew Cuomo” when the CNN star addressed the scandal in March, telling viewers, “I have always cared very deeply about these issues, and profoundly so. I just wanted to tell you that.”
It is worth noting, Katz also represents Charlotte Bennett, one of the many women who came forward to accuse former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct.
Shelly Ross, who previously accused Chris Cuomo of sexual misconduct, and substantiated claims with communication between herself and Cuomo, reacted to his dismissal this week in comments with Fox News. She had previously expressed doubts that CNN would choose to sever ties with the now disgraced Anchor. She said in a response to Fox News, “I am glad that CNN will fall on the right side of history. Those who harass women, strategize to silence or smear those who come forward must be held accountable,”.
It was not immediately known if this newest development had any direct role in CNN’s dismissal of Cuomo on Saturday, or if the allegation was the “additional information” CNN referenced in an attempt to lessen the impact of such a bombshell.
“Based on the report we received regarding Chris’s conduct with his brother’s defense, we had cause to terminate,” a CNN spokesperson told the Times. “When new allegations came to us this week, we took them seriously, and saw no reason to delay taking immediate action.”
Steven Goldberg, who is currently speaking for Cuomo in public affairs, told the NY Times, “These apparently anonymous allegations are not true,” adding “If the goal in making these false and unvetted accusations was to see Mr. Cuomo punished by CNN, that may explain his unwarranted termination.”
It appears there will be a sorted, complex and publicly displayed season of exposure, debate and accountability in these accusations moving forward. And, it is yet to be seen how CNN will choose to respond to this latest revelation regarding their former star, Chris Cuomo, whose face has become synonymous with the network.
CNN has not responded to Timcast’s request for comment as of Sunday.
