CNN suspends Chris Cuomo indefinitely for allegedly helping brother through scandals

On Tuesday, CNN suspended anchor Chris Cuomo indefinitely after he allegedly helped his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, face sexual harassment charges earlier this year.

The network cited documents released by New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, that showed Cuomo’s involvement to be greater than previously thought.

“As a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation,” CNN said. Cuomo, who is a lawyer and 13 years younger than the former governor, had reportedly pressed sources for important information on his brother’s accusers, and he reported back to the governor’s staff members.

According to emails and a transcript of his testimony to investigators under the state attorney general, he was also active in helping create a response to the charges. The attorney’s office found that the former governor had sexually harassed 11 women at least.

Previously, Cuomo admitted that he talked to his brother and offered advice over the harassment charges, but the new records released show a more detailed account about Chris Cuomo’s involvement. The governor resigned in August, leaving the office to Kathy Hochul, in order to avoid a likely impeachment trial.

In Chris’ testimony from July to investigators at the attorney general’s office, he said, “This is my brother, and I’m trying to help my brother through a situation where he told me he did nothing wrong.”

Cuomo’s program currently airs at 9 p.m. Eastern time on weeknights, and he appeared on the show Monday night to talk about COVID-19 and politics.

Following his indefinite suspension, Anderson Cooper substituted for Cuomo on his Tuesday evening show. Neither Cuomo nor the lawyer who represented him during his testimony this past summer have commented on his suspension.