Cuomo was indefinitely suspended by CNN starting Nov. 30 following reports that he used his position as an influential journalist and as an employee of the network to help his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, against the sexual harassment and assault allegations hurled against him. (Related: CNN's Chris Cuomo in hot water after NY AG investigation found he was more involved in brother Andrew Cuomo's sex harassment cases than he admitted.)
The material, released by the office of the attorney general of New York, proved that Cuomo tapped sources – including some employed by rival networks – to figure out whether more women are coming forward against his brother with allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
He also pressed his sources for more information regarding his brother's accusers and then reported back his findings to the governor's staffers. He was also active in helping craft his brother's response to the charges.
All of this information came from emails and a transcript of Cuomo's testimony to investigators working for Attorney General Letitia James of New York. She and her office later found that the former governor sexually harassed at least 11 women.
"The New York attorney general's office released transcripts and exhibits Monday that shed new light on Chris Cuomo's involvement in his brother's defense. The documents, which we were not privy to before their public release, raise serious questions," said a CNN spokesperson.
"When Chris admitted to us that he had offered advice to his brother's staff, he broke our rules and we acknowledged that publicly. But we also appreciated the unique position he was in and understood his need to put family first and job second.
"However, these documents point to a greater level of involvement in his brother's efforts than we previously knew. As a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation."
Experts on journalistic ethics have pointed out that Cuomo's behavior violates journalism standards, and it puts into question CNN's credibility due to the media outlet's lack of transparency regarding the situation.
"It is unethical for a journalist to use their position, contacts and influence to help a family member or friend involved in an investigation by law enforcement," said Rebecca Aguilar, president of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). "The SPJ Code of Ethics clarifies the rules: Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived, minimize harm and be accountable and transparent."
Vandersteel awaits Cuomo's permanent suspension from CNN
During the beginning of the Dec. 1 episode of "Steel Truth," Vandersteel played a clip of Cuomo on CNN talking about how he is still suffering from the lingering effects of his Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. These include brain fog, shortness of breath and clinical depression.
"Oh, you have clinical depression, do you, Cuomo? Hey folks, let's take five here for a victory lap. Finally, we the people have something to pop that champagne and celebrate about Chris Cuomo [being] permanently suspended from CNN, the 'Criminal News Network,'" said Vandersteel.
"That's right, it takes a criminal to know a criminal. That's Chris Cuomo and his cronies over there at CNN. Can you imagine that? Chris Cuomo, say it ain't so. The media conspiring with government officials? Well, it's all in the family, ain't it, Chris? So really, what could be the harm?"
"Well, looks like he is now suspended indefinitely pending further evaluation," Vandersteel continued. "Do you think the mainstream media will survive this? Do you think Cuomo will survive? Maybe he should just go back down to his basement where he faked his COVID so we can actually get over to something far more significant, like his permanent suspension."
Watch the full Dec. 1 episode of "Steel Truth" with Ann Vandersteel, featuring guests Dr. Li-Meng Yang and Gordon Rose here:
"Steel Truth" with Ann Vandersteel airs every Monday thru Friday at 8-10 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.
Learn more about Cuomo's attempted interference in his brother's sexual assault cases by reading the latest articles at CNNSoFake.news.
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