Ousted CNN President Jeff Zucker reportedly wasn't initially 'forthcoming' about relationship with colleague
Former CNN President Jeff Zucker wasn't initially "forthcoming" with investigators about his relationship with a colleague before being forced out at the network, a new report says.
Zucker abruptly resigned last week after admitting he failed to disclose a relationship with a colleague, CNN chief marketing officer Allison Gollust, something he said he was asked about during an investigation into fired CNN host Chris Cuomo. A report from The Wall Street Journal on Friday revealed new details surrounding Zucker's ouster, including that he at first didn't admit to the relationship.
"Mr. Zucker and Ms. Gollust ... initially weren't forthcoming about the relationship when asked by investigators, people familiar with the matter said," the Journal reported. "Eventually, they each acknowledged it to investigators, the people said."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
This, Journal reporter Joe Flint added, was a "move which sealed Zucker's fate." WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar reportedly told Zucker at the end of January he would have to step down, and the Journal says although Zucker asked to stay on at least until the ongoing WarnerMedia merger with Discovery closed, Kilar wouldn't allow him to do so.
Kilar's decision to force out Zucker sparked pushback from CNN staffers, who reportedly grilled him at a recent meeting. In particular, Puck reported that anchor Jake Tapper and correspondent Kaitlin Collins suggested Zucker's ouster could be blamed on Chris Cuomo, who has been seeking a settlement after being fired over his role in advising his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), in handling sexual harassment allegations. Tapper reportedly said Cuomo's attorney made it "very clear to the world that unless Jeff gives Chris Cuomo his money, they're going to blow the place up," and now, "an outside observer might say, 'Wow, it looks like Chris Cuomo succeeded.'"
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published