BREAKING: Jeff Zucker Resigns Amid Scandal

By
David Rufful
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OPINION | This article contains opinion. This site is licensed to publish this content.

The top boss at the anti-Trump network CNN, Jeff Zucker, has resigned amid a “consensual relationship” with a staffer.

Making matters worse, the alleged staffer is CNN’s executive vice president, Allison Gollust.

Before moving to CNN, she served as the communication director for accused sexual predator Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York.

Only two months ago in December 2021, a bombshell report in the Wall Street Journal revealed that CNN’s Zucker knew about ex-CNN anchor Chris Cuomo efforts to help his brother, Andrew.

Using “intel” from inside the media, Chris helped advise Andrew on how to respond to reports about his inappropriate groping, kissing, hugging, and remarks. Chris is accused of using his sources in the media to assist with the reporting that was being done on the governor’s accusers.

An attorney representing Chris Cuomo said that Zucker was very close to her client and that the network was aware he was assisting his brother.

A spokesman for Cuomo said, “Mr. Cuomo has the highest level of admiration and respect for Mr. Zucker.”

Cuomo was terminated by CNN over his involvement in his brother’s alleged sexual misconduct, but Jeff Zucker got away scot free… until now.

In a statement, Zucker said, “As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years.”

“I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today,” Zucker wrote in a memo to staffers.

“I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run,” he continued.

“And I loved every minute,” Zucker said. “I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us. I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead.”

Andrew Cuomo eventually resigned after a months-long investigation and 165-page report confirmed that there are well-corroborated allegations that Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women and retaliated against a former employee who complained.

Text message communication revealed that Chris was part of his brother’s inner circle.

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CNN president Jeff Zucker told employees at the time that the network asked a law firm to conduct a separate review of the misconduct allegation made against Chris Cuomo.

“That investigation will continue, as it relates to CNN,” Zucker said, however it was unclear at the time if Zucker’s own conduct was under investigation.

As a result of this investigation, the CNN boss himself was forced to resign.

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Stelter noted that CNN staffers were “stunned” by the sudden resignation.

Under Zucker, CNN has recently been plagued by scandals, embarrassing headlines and struggles to attract an audience, leading critics to wonder if he would be shown the door once a planned merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery is finalized later this year. However, the sudden resignation before the potential deal was finalized sent shock waves across the media industry.

Stelter indicated that Zucker’s relationship was with CNN marketing chief Allison Gollust, who the now-former CNN boss has long been speculated to have a relationship with. Gollust will remain at CNN, according to Stelter.

Gollust was appointed as former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s communications director in 2012 before bolting to join Zucker four months later at CNN. She became close to Zucker after a 15-year tenure at NBC before her work in the Cuomo administration and was once even floated as a candidate to eventually replace Zucker atop the liberal network.