Jeff Zucker, the powerful president of CNN, resigned on Wednesday after he admitted that he hid a romantic relationship with an underling.
“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 wrote in a company-wide memo. “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,” he wrote.
“I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute,” he concluded.
The New York Times reports:
Mr. Zucker was referring to Allison Gollust, CNN’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer and one of the highest-ranking leaders of the network, who is closely involved in major business and communications decisions.
Ms. Gollust said in a statement on Wednesday that she was remaining in her role at CNN.
“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” she wrote. “Recently, our relationship changed during Covid. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”
Both Mr. Zucker and Ms. Gollust are divorced.
Chris Cuomo was fired from CNN last year after the network determined that he created a conflict of interest when he actively advised his brother, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during a sexual harassment scandal.
POLITICO reports:
Two sources with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly said that Cuomo’s legal team, which continues to negotiate his exit from the network, raised issues about the relationship between Zucker and Gollust. Cuomo’s legal team asserted that Zucker was hypocritical to suggest Cuomo had a personal conflict of interest when the relationship with Gollust represented a potential conflict as well.
“Prior to joining CNN, Gollust served as communications director for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo,” Axios adds.
The Times offers context:
In an industry known for its on-the-air talent, Mr. Zucker is perhaps the most recognizable figure among behind-the-scenes executives. He became a public face of CNN in large part because of his public jousting with former President Donald J. Trump, with whom he once shared a friendlier relationship: as president of NBC Entertainment, Mr. Zucker had made the decision to grant Mr. Trump reality-TV stardom with “The Apprentice.”
Mr. Zucker became chief executive of NBCUniversal in 2010 before leaving the company in 2010. He started at CNN in January 2013. In recent months, Mr. Zucker was heavily involved in the shaping of CNN+, a subscription streaming service that is set to begin this spring.
