NEWSAnderson Cooper Admits He Feels 'Terrible' For Chris Cuomo But Maintains 'Journalists Have Strict Ethics'
Anderson Cooper has weighed in on Chris Cuomo being axed from CNN.
As previously reported by OK!, the network announced the reporter's termination on Saturday, December 4. "Chris Cuomo was suspended earlier this week pending further evaluation of new information that came to light about his involvement with his brother's [Andrew Cuomo] defense," CNN said in a statement at the time. "We retained a respected law firm to conduct the review, and have terminated him, effective immediately."
Chris was also accused of sexual misconduct by a woman who is remaining anonymous. He denied the allegation.
Anderson appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday, December 16, where he was asked about the scandal. "I think people were surprised on the day when it actually happened," the 60 Minutes correspondent said of the termination, per Yahoo! Entertainment. He also revealed he found out Chris was axed on the news just like everyone else did.
While acknowledging he feels bad for what Chris is currently going through, Anderson maintained journalists have strict guidelines to abide by.
- Chris Cuomo Accused Of Sexual Misconduct By Anonymous Woman Prior To Being Axed From CNN
- Chris Cuomo Breaks His Silence After Being Fired From CNN For Trying To Help Cover Up Brother Andrew Cuomo's Sexual Harassment Scandal
- Chris Cuomo Reportedly Advised Brother Governor Andrew Cuomo To Resign Following Sexual Harassment Report
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"Look, I don't want anything bad to happen to somebody who is a colleague and a friend of mine, and I feel terrible for him and his family," the 54-year-old reportedly shared. "That being said… journalists have strict ethics and strict rules that we are to abide by and if you don't abide by them, there are repercussions. I wish Chris the best, and I’m sorry how all this played out."
"The first call I got after I got the call about Chris Cuomo was Andy Cohen, like, 'Do you think I could get that show?'" Anderson revealed. "I was, like, 'Andy, you’ve got enough real estate in television.'" Michael Smerconish has been filling in for Chris.
According to records, released by New York Attorney General Letitia James in November, Chris is said to have been in contact with Andrew's team amid his older brother's sexual harassment scandal. The politician stepped down as New York Governor earlier this year in light of the sexual harassment allegations.
