CNN's Chris Cuomo erupts over reports that Trump is alleging his Access Hollywood tape might not be authentic: 'He said what he said!'

(Image credit: Screenshot/CNN)

published 27 November 2017

CNN's Chris Cuomo was unable to contain himself following recent reports that President Trump is now privately sowing doubts about the authenticity of an Access Hollywood tape in which he lewdly boasts about groping women. Trump had admitted in 2016 that it was him on the tape, saying: "I said it. I was wrong. And I apologize."

A visibly frustrated Cuomo told his colleagues: "He really might believe that it's not authentic. I think it is way more troubling than it is getting credit for. I don't think that this is an offhand comment by him. I think he believes this will work with people."

As for himself, Cuomo had no doubts at all: "That is him on that tape! Okay? That's who it is. He said what he said. He even kind of owned it."

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Cuomo explained that Trump's theoretical lie is "scary" because "if he will go to that level of saying, 'yeah, maybe that's fake,' what else will he say that about that's not as clear cut?" Watch the rant below, beginning at 5:50. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.