CNN's Chris Cuomo advised his brother Andrew on how to handle sexual harassment allegations

Albany, New York – CNN anchor Chris Cuomo participated in conference calls advising his brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations, anonymous sources revealed.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (63) is facing sexual harassment allegations from at least seven women.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (63) is facing sexual harassment allegations from at least seven women.  © IMAGO / Pacific Press Agency

According to the Washington Post, Chris Cuomo (50) has long served as a political advisor to his brother Andrew (63).

The CNN anchor and New York governor achieved a national spotlight for their cringy outpourings of brotherly love during coronavirus interviews on national television.

"I hope you are able to appreciate what you did in your state and what it means for the rest of the country now and what it will always mean to those who love and care about you the most," Chris Cuomo told his brother on live TV. "I’m wowed by what you did, and more importantly, I’m wowed by how you did it. This was very hard. I know it’s not over. But obviously I love you as a brother, obviously I’ll never be objective, obviously I think you’re the best politician in the country."

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But since that time, Andrew Cuomo has been mired in controversy. Scandals surfaced regarding his office's alleged suppression of Covid-19 death tolls for New York nursing home residents. Additionally, at least seven women have leveled sexual harassment allegations against the governor.

Chris Cuomo said he would not cover the allegations on his show because he could not remain "objective," letting other reporters discuss the issue instead. Critics were quick to point out the CNN reporter's stark difference in attitude during the coronavirus interview calls.

But now, new information has come to light showing the younger Cuomo might not have been as hands-off with the sexual harassment allegations as he appeared. Anonymous reports reveal the journalist gave the governor behind-the-scenes advice in calls with top aides, communications experts, and lawyers.

That advice reportedly included telling his brother not to resign and to name "cancel culture" as a reason behind the decision not to back down.

CNN and Chris Cuomo respond

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo (50) has long served as a political advisor to his brother.
CNN anchor Chris Cuomo (50) has long served as a political advisor to his brother.  © Screenshot/Instagram/chrisccuomo

Chris Cuomo apologized for his role in the calls on air on Thursday, telling viewers he had competing obligations as a brother and as a journalist.

"It will not happen again," he assured his audience. "It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot."

CNN also released a statement on the matter, which read, "Chris has not been involved in CNN’s extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo – on air or behind the scenes. In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother."

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"However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor’s staff, which Chris acknowledges," the statement continued.

The anchor will not be subject to any disciplinary measures.

Not all of Chris Cuomo's colleagues are satisfied with the official response.

One CNN employee described the news of the anchor's involvement as "really upsetting."

"There’s a general sense of frustration. I don’t think anyone was surprised they spoke about this, given they are family, but calls with lawyers and staff . . . wow," another said.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / Pacific Press Agency, Screenshot/Instagram/chrisccuomo

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