CNN is in absolute turmoil following the resignation of network President Jeff Zucker for having a secret relationship with a subordinate.
In one of the most amazing, underreported segments in recent memory, it appears as though CNN media reporter Brian Stelter suggested, if not outright accused, former disgraced CNN host Chris Cuomo of being behind the Zucker affair, and trying to “burn down” the network.
Zucker on Wednesday resigned “effective immediately” following an admission that he failed to disclose his relationship with a subordinate at the network.
The relationship was with Allison Gollust, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer for CNN, and according to Zucker only came to light during the network’s investigations into Cuomo.
Former CNN staffers however have insisted that Zucker and Gollust’s relationship was essentially an “open secret” for years.
Why was the media power player forced to resign suddenly over the matter? Stelter has a suspicion that somebody is behind it.
STELTER: Andrew Cuomo Was Going To Reveal ‘Incriminating Evidence’ About Jeff Zucker pic.twitter.com/bExdlP7qA9
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 2, 2022
Stelter Accuses Chris Cuomo Of Taking Down CNN
Stelter spoke with CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota about the bombshell Zucker news as the latter gave a passionate defense of her former boss.
“If what you are reporting is true, these are two consenting adults who are both executives,” said Camerota. “That they can’t have a private relationship feels wrong on some level.”
“These are two consenting adults who are both executives — that they can’t have a private relationship feels wrong on some level.”
An emotional @AlisynCamerota commented on Jeff Zucker’s resignation, calling the shocking news “an incredible loss.” pic.twitter.com/2KBr3WSgDC
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 2, 2022
Stelter chimed in with his theory about what was happening behind the scenes, suggesting Chris Cuomo himself is playing a prominent role in Zucker’s downfall.
“I think there’s two layers I would add to that. Number one is the Chris Cuomo reference,” he said. “He’s not going out quietly.”
“As a source said earlier today, he was trying to burn the place down,” Stelter continued. “He was going to court trying to burn the place down and claiming he had incriminating information.”
“If this is the case, this is a domino effect that begins with Andrew Cuomo and Chris Cuomo being fired,” he added. “That’s a remarkable domino event I think that’s part of the story.”
Sean Hannity reports sources who say a Chris Cuomo lawsuit over his dismissal is imminent and predicts CNN will end up paying up for his full contract
He also predicts Brian Stelter might be next to follow Jeff Zucker in being kicked from CNN, tho he doesn’t support a firing
— Daniel Chaitin (@danielchaitin7) February 3, 2022
There may be some truth to what Stelter is saying, though it’s a remarkable airing out of dirty laundry to hear him make the accusation on a network broadcast.
Gollust, a veteran public relations expert, once worked as Democrat Andrew Cuomo’s communications director.
Chris Cuomo was fired in December following a New York Attorney General report regarding multiple sexual harassment claims against his brother, the disgraced former governor, in which he was alleged to have used media sources to track down information on sexual harassment accusers.
Reports surfaced almost immediately that Cuomo was preparing to sue CNN for $18 million following claims that Zucker knew all about the anchor’s efforts to help his brother fight off sexual misconduct allegations.
“They were widely known to be extremely close and in regular contact, including about the details of Mr. Cuomo’s support for his brother,” a spokesman at the time told the Wall Street Journal.
“There were no secrets about this, as other individuals besides Mr. Cuomo can attest.”
Chris Cuomo claims CNN boss Jeff Zucker knew about involvement in gov scandal https://t.co/qbfhv0tY4g pic.twitter.com/1JMxfsmz65
— New York Post (@nypost) December 6, 2021
Stelter also likely feels slighted by Cuomo, having helped on his own show to defend both Cuomo brothers repeatedly despite their multiple scandals over the past two years.
“He’s said nothing about it. And Brian Stelter knows me, he knows the position of authority I held.”@ShelleyzRoss on CNN ignoring her accusation of sexual harassment against Chris Cuomo, and the “loss of moral authority.” Watch below, download here: https://t.co/F96HgIpiAu pic.twitter.com/UaKNZ7MKW2
— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) October 4, 2021
Insider Says Stelter Should Be Fired
The finger-pointing didn’t stop with Stelter accusing Chris Cuomo of trying to take down CNN. In fact, Stelter was on the receiving end of his own criticism.
A CNN insider told the Daily Mail that Stelter should be fired for not reporting on Zucker’s relationship when it was known throughout the network as an “open secret.”
“The network needs to step up and fire Brian Stelter,” the insider reportedly said. “He is allegedly our top media reporter – yet he failed to report on the scoop that everyone in the office knew. And if he wants to say he didn’t know, he is truly terrible at his job.”
Well, #BrianStelter could always eventually find work as some french fries or tater tots. #BrianStelterIsAPotato @KurtSchlichter https://t.co/WcrfdHQCfn
— Lenny Dykstra (@LennyDykstra) February 3, 2022
A ‘cable news veteran’ also spoke to the Daily Mail and indicated Stelter spent years doing Zucker’s bidding, journalistic malpractice that should also have him tidying up his resume.
“Brian Stelter should be calling his agent to start looking for another job,” the source said. “He’s been Jeff Zucker’s water boy for years and no one believes he didn’t know about all of this.”
Zucker abandoned a sinking ship and the rats are left scurrying in chaos across the deck.
