CNN Suspends Chris Cuomo Indefinitely: ‘He Broke Our Rules’

Chris Cuomo (Credit: CNN)

Chris Cuomo has been taken off the air indefinitely by CNN after the network learned the Cuomo Prime Time anchor helped advise his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on how to address sexual harassment allegations by several women.

CNN announced its decision Tuesday evening after new documents revealed the newscaster was more involved with his brother’s case than previously thought.

“The New York Attorney General’s office released transcripts and exhibits Monday that shed new light on Chris Cuomo’s involvement in his brother’s defense,” a CNN spokesperson said in a statement. “The documents, which we were not privy to before their public release, raise serious questions.”

“When Chris admitted to us that he had offered advice to his brother’s staff, he broke our rules and we acknowledged that publicly,” the spokesperson added. “But we also appreciated the unique position he was in and understood his need to put family first and job second.”

Related Story: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Resigns Amid Growing Sexual Harassment Scandal

“However, these documents point to a greater level of involvement in his brother’s efforts than we previously knew,” the spokesperson continued. “As a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation.”

The news anchor has declined comment on CNN’s decision.

Some of the documents included text messages and deposition testimony. Texts showed Cuomo interacted with his media contacts to get ahead of any potential stories about his brother.

The former New York governor’s resignation formally took effect on Aug. 24. He has denied wrongdoing since the allegations surfaced.