CNN’s Jake Tapper slams colleague Chris Cuomo for advising brother Andrew over sex scandal

CNN’s Jake Tapper has slammed colleague Chris Cuomo for joining strategy calls advising his brother Gov. Andrew Cuomo on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations. 

Tapper – who is widely seen as CNN’s biggest star – told the New York Times that Chris’ behavior put network employees in ‘a bad spot’. 

‘I cannot imagine a world in which anybody in journalism thinks that that was appropriate,’ the 52-year-old anchor stated in an interview conducted on Friday. 

‘Chris, in his apology that he delivered on air, said that he put us in a bad spot. I would also agree with that.’  

Tapper continued: ‘I work very hard to be fair and to be ethical and to not cross lines. And I certainly understand the love that Chris has for his brother… but that was not a fun day.’ 

In recent months, multiple women have come forward accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment. An independent investigation into the allegations is ongoing, but over 120 New York State legislators have called for his resignation. 

Last week, Chris admitted on his primetime CNN show that he had been ‘looped into calls’ about how his high-profile brother should handle the allegations. Some of Chris’ staffers were also on the phone at the time. 

‘I understand why that was a problem for CNN,’ Chris groveled. ‘It will not happen again.’ 

Last week, Chris Cuomo (right) admitted on his primetime CNN show that he had been ‘looped into calls’ about how his brother, Gov Andrew Cuomo, should handle sexual harassment allegations. The brothers are pictured together in 2018

However, many CNN employees are said to be enraged that Chris damaged their image of impartiality.

‘I’m very disappointed in the network,’ a woman who works on-air at CNN told The Daily Beast. ‘I think some disciplinary action, at a minimum, was required in this situation.’ 

‘As a woman who works here, I feel a little let down, to be honest,’ she said.

‘Chris Cuomo’s concern for his brother is admirable but working to discredit the multiple women who have accused Andrew Cuomo of sexual impropriety is both journalistically and morally immoral,’ another regular on-air guest told the outlet.

Andrew made numerous appearances on his Chris’ show last year, for lighthearted interviews that featured brotherly banter

Chris Cuomo never covered the sexual harassment allegations made against his brother on his program, despite the fact the New York Gov. frequently appeared on the show for lighthearted segments last year. 

During those appearances, Chris would praise Andrew for his handling of New York’s COVID-19 pandemic, before the pair would clown around together. 

One anonymous CNN staffer told Fox News that: ‘It’s the height of hypocrisy for Chris to have [his brother] on there for the good news but doesn’t have him on to discuss the bad news.

‘It’s laughable for him to be so judgmental of other people for their wrongdoings and he’s sitting there enabling and coming up with excuses for someone with sexual misconduct allegations.’

Last week, CNN President Jeff Zucker said he personally spoke to Chris to express his displeasure, and ordered him to make the on-air apology.

Zucker reportedly told colleagues that Chris ‘did cross a line’, but ultimately decided not to discipline him.   

Last week, CNN President Jeff Zucker said he personally spoke to Chris to express his displeasure, and ordered him to make the on-air apology