OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
CNN President Jeff Zucker has resigned effective immediately after admitting to a consensual relationship with a colleague.
He penned a memo to his staff on Wednesday announcing his resignation and said it involved the investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.
“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 year,” he said.
“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,” the now former CNN president said.
“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.
“I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employes who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us. I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead,” he said.
Jeff Zucker just announced his resignation to a stunned CNN. pic.twitter.com/sWXYNBO20d
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 2, 2022
The unnamed colleague named herself in her own statement.
“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” Allison Gollust, the Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer, CNN Worldwide, who is now leaving CNN, said. “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 every day,” she said.
Her biography at CNN said “Gollust serves as chief spokesperson for the news brand and leads marketing, publicity and public relations teams in New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Los Angeles. Her role as CMO gives her responsibility for brand strategy and marketing efforts for all of the brands within the CNN Worldwide portfolio. Gollust oversees CNN’s creative marketing, events, on-air promotions, off-channel and digital marketing efforts as well.
“Prior to joining CNN, Gollust served as communications director for New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Prior to that, she was executive vice president of corporate communications for NBC Universal, where she oversaw all aspects of the company’s global communications efforts. She started at NBC in the Corporate Communications group in 1996 and was named senior publicist for Today in 1997. With successive promotions, Gollust added responsibility for communications efforts supporting NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC and the Weather Channel, and signature programs including NBC Nightly News, Dateline and Meet the Press. She began her career as a news anchor, reporter and producer in Denver. Gollust resides in New York City with her two daughters,” it reads.
Jason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent WarnerMedia, announced that he had accepted Zucker;s resignation.
“I have accepted Jeff Zucker’s resignation as Chairman of WarnerMedia News and Sports, and President of CNN Worldwide. We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past 9 years,” he said.
“We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly. Both of these organizations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters,” he said.
CNN has been besieged by scandals in recent times.
“Jeff Zucker has been married since 1996 to Caryn Zucker. They have 4 kids. What an effing scumbag,” Benny Johnson said.
Jeff Zucker has been married since 1996 to Caryn Zucker.
They have 4 kids.
What an effing scumbag
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) February 2, 2022
This is not true as Zucker was divorced in 2019.
CNN’s head Jeff Zucker just resigned for failing to disclose a relationship with a subordinate. He was caught as part of the Chris Cuomo investigation. It was Zucker who instituted my lifetime ban on CNN for saying I believed in the first amendment and boobs. Oh the irony. pic.twitter.com/sGpmcO7hpq
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 2, 2022
“CNN’s head Jeff Zucker just resigned for failing to disclose a relationship with a subordinate. He was caught as part of the Chris Cuomo investigation. It was Zucker who instituted my lifetime ban on CNN for saying I believed in the first amendment and boobs. Oh the irony,” Clay Travis said.
