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Zucker, 56, mentioned in a memo that his relationship got here to mild through the community’s investigation into the conduct of Chris Cuomo, a primetime CNN anchor who was fired in December for helping his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was accused of sexual misconduct.
Andrew Cuomo has mentioned his accusers had misinterpreted his phrases, gestures and demeanor.
“I used to be required to reveal it when it started however I did not,” Zucker, who additionally stepped down from his function as chairman of WarnerMedia’s information and sports activities division, wrote within the memo.
Zucker, by means of a spokesperson, declined an interview request. He’s divorced, his consultant mentioned.
He didn’t title his colleague within the memo, however the relationship was with Allison Gollust, the chief advertising officer for the community, CNN anchor Brian Stelter mentioned throughout a broadcast Wednesday, including she was remaining at CNN.
“Jeff and I’ve been shut associates {and professional} companions for over 20 years,” Stelter quoted Gollust as saying in a separate memo of her personal issued on Wednesday. “Lately, our relationship modified throughout COVID. I remorse that we did not disclose it on the proper time. I am extremely pleased with my time at CNN and look ahead to persevering with the good work we do on a regular basis.”
Gollust didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
CNN is a part of AT&T-owned WarnerMedia, which is being spun off in a $43 billion transaction with Discovery.
Though Zucker had indicated he deliberate to retire from CNN, he was anticipated to play a outstanding function within the new Warner Bros Discovery. Zucker and Discovery Chief Government David Zaslav, who will lead Warner Bros Discovery, are former colleagues and associates.
WarnerMedia is planning to launch a brand new subscription streaming video information service, CNN+, within the first quarter of 2022. Zaslav has publicly dedicated to CNN after the deal closes and mentioned that the mixed entity will “lean into information.”
Discovery declined to touch upon Zucker’s resignation.
In a memo to workers, WarnerMedia Chief Government Jason Kilar wrote he accepted Zucker’s resignation and would announce an interim management plan shortly.
“Individuals are very shocked,” mentioned a former CNN staffer Wednesday. “Jeff is just like the glue for lots of people all through the pandemic.”
Zucker, who joined CNN in 2013, has a storied popularity within the TV enterprise marked by early success. He was the manager producer of NBC’s “Immediately” present in his 20s, then grew to become the president of NBC Leisure.
Born and raised in Miami, Zucker has 4 youngsters and resides in New York Metropolis, in response to a profile on CNN’s web site.
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