Chris Lange, FISM News
CNN on Monday said it will will evaluate transcripts and exhibits released by the New York Attorney General that suggest “Prime Time” anchor Chris Cuomo actively assisted his brother in crafting the former New York governor’s response to multiple sexual harassment allegations.
“The thousands of pages of additional transcripts and exhibits that were released today by the NY Attorney General deserve a thorough review and consideration,” CNN said in a statement yesterday. “We will be having conversations and seeking additional clarity about their significance as they relate to CNN over the next several days.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James released thousands of pages of documents, exhibits, and video testimony from an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday. The transcripts reveal extensive communications between Chris Cuomo and his brother’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, at a time when additional accusations against the governor were thought to be forthcoming.
A March 7 text from DeRosa to Chris Cuomo reads, “Rumour going around from politico 1-2 more ppl coming out tomorrow. Can u check your sources [sic.].”
Cuomo responded, “on it,” later texting, “No one has heard that yet.”
Transcripts from his interview with investigators show Cuomo admitting that he used his position at CNN to gather information about accusers who had not yet come forward publicly.
“When asked, I would reach out to sources, other journalists, to see if they had heard of anybody else coming out,” he said.
Following a story published in the New York Times about Anna Ruch, who claimed then-Governor Cuomo sexually harassed her when the two were at a wedding reception in 2019, the “Prime Time” host wrote “I have a lead on the wedding girl” in a text to DeRosa.
When Chris’ role as his brother’s adviser initially came to light, critics pointed out the impropriety of his actions as a reporter for a news network purportedly covering the scandal. Many also decried his hypocrisy in helping his brother while simultaneously vocalizing his support for the #MeToo movement.
Cuomo defended his actions in March during his “Cuomo Prime Time” show: “There are critics saying things about me, many unsupported, but know this – my position has never changed. I never misled anyone about the information I was delivering or not delivering on this program. I never attacked nor encouraged anyone to attack any woman who came forward. I never made calls to the press about my brother’s situation. I never influenced or attempted to control CNN’s coverage of my family.”
He went on to deliver an on-air admission in May that it was a “mistake” to participate in staff calls with his brother and his aides regarding the scandal.
Cuomo was silent on the AG’s document dump during Monday’s “Prime Time” broadcast. During his nightly hand-off to Cuomo, fellow CNN anchor Don Lemon made an oblique reference to the scandal by expressing support for his colleague. “I am grateful for your friendship and your love,” he gushed, adding “I think you are fantastic, one of the kindest people I know on this planet.”
CNN Host Brian Stelter tweeted his support for the embattled anchor, saying “For what it’s worth, when Chris Cuomo addressed his actions on the air back in August, he said ‘this will be my final word on it,’ and he hasn’t addressed the matter on TV since.”
Others took to Twitter to blast both CNN and Cuomo for the growing scandal:
Cuomo didn't mention anything about the new revelations about his involvement with his brother's sexual misconduct scandal during the entire show and the LIES he told his audience in August. But during the handoff his buddy Don Lemon had encouraging words for him. pic.twitter.com/s4OGh1T44J
— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) November 30, 2021
Reminder that CNN fired three employees for being unvaccinated but continue to stand by Chris Cuomo and Jeffrey Toobin
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 30, 2021
Former Governor Cuomo continues to deny any allegations of sexual misconduct.