CNN president Jeff Zucker resigns after secret relationship comes to light

Atlanta, Georgia – On Wednesday, Jeff Zucker resigned as president of CNN, citing his failure to disclose a consensual relationship with a long-time colleague.

CNN president Jeff Zucker resigned from his role on Wednesday after a secret relationship with a colleague was uncovered.
CNN president Jeff Zucker resigned from his role on Wednesday after a secret relationship with a colleague was uncovered.  © Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire & MediaPunch

Zucker's sudden departure was announced in a statement posted on Twitter by the cable news network's media correspondent, Brian Stelter.

"As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo's tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years," Zucker (56) said in a memo to employees, according to CNN.

"I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn't. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today."

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The relationship was with Allison Gollust (49), CNN's executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

"Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years," Gollust said in a statement. "Recently, our relationship changed during Covid. I regret that we didn't disclose it at the right time."

Zucker's secret relationship surfaced during the network's investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who was fired in December following revelations over his involvement in managing the sexual harassment scandal that forced his brother Andrew to resign as governor of New York.

The resignation ends Zucker's nine-year career at CNN, and comes in advance of Discovery's acquisition of Warner Media, which is expected later this year.

Zucker was also chairperson of Warner Media's news and sports division.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire & MediaPunch

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