The CNN cable news network said they were initiating a “thorough review” of the claims made in a report saying their anchor Chris Cuomo used his news sources to help his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, navigate a sexual abuse scandal.
The revelation was included in a release of transcripts Monday from an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James into the alleged misconduct.
The transcripts included an exchange where the CNN anchor admitted to investigator Jennifer Kennedy Park that he used his sources to help his brother.
“I would — when asked, I would reach out to sources, other journalists, to see if they had heard of anybody else coming out,” said Chris Cuomo in the transcripts.
He went on to claim that he never ultimately carried out the research for his brother.
Chris Cuomo also defended himself in the transcripts against accusations that he was using his privileged position to give his brother favorable coverage at the news network.
“You know, the idea that I could ever report on my brother has always been an absurdity to me,” said Chris Cuomo. “That’s never been my intention. That’s never been my practice. And so, look, this was just — you know, just wanted to be able to help my brother. That’s it.”
CNN’s media reporter Brian Stelter posted the company’s statement about the report on his Twitter account.
“The thousands of pages of additional transcripts and exhibits that were released by the NY Attorney General deserve a thorough review and consideration,” read the statement. “We will be having conversations and seeking additional clarity about their significance as they relate to CNN over the next several days.”
The phrase “Chris Cuomo” trended nationally on social media over the report and over CNN’s brief response.
Andrew Cuomo resigned from the governor’s office in Aug. 10 over the sexual assault allegations, and has denied most of the accusations while downplaying others as a misunderstanding.
Critics of the media have lambasted CNN for ignoring the potential conflict of interest created by Cuomo interviewing his brother before the scandals broke out.
Here’s more about the release on the Cuomos:
New York AG’s Office Releases New Video Of Cuomo Testimony To Investigators www.youtube.com