'Of course CNN has to cover it': Chris Cuomo addresses sexual harassment claims against his brother Gov. Andrew Cuomo



CNN anchor Chris Cuomo addressed the sexual harassment claims against Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), his brother, in a short statement on his show after more accusations surfaced.

Cuomo acknowledged that CNN would have to cover the story but that he could not because of his conflict of interest.

"Before we start tonight, let me say something that I'm sure is very obvious to you who watch my show, and thank you for that," said Cuomo.

"You're straight with me, I'll be straight with you," he added.

"Obviously I am aware of what is going on with my brother. And obviously I cannot cover it because he is my brother. Now, of course CNN has to cover it. They have covered it extensively and they will continue to do so," Cuomo continued.

"I have always cared, very deeply, about these issues, and profoundly so," he concluded. "I just wanted to tell you that, there's a lot of news going on that matters also, so let's get after that."

Here's the brief statement from Chris Cuomo:

>> @ChrisCuomo at the top of @CuomoPrimeTime tonight: "Obviously I am aware of what is going on with my brother. An… https://t.co/xYxXVQDL1h
— Brian Stelter (@Brian Stelter)1614650665.0

The CNN host was besieged online by those pointing out that he didn't abstain from covering his brother before the newest damaging accusations. Some mocked him by reminding him of an embarrassing interview where he held a giant cotton swab to poke fun at his brother.

Guys, guys, you have to understand - he can only cover his brother when he holds the qtip. pic.twitter.com/NmVKCXnjgQ
— RT 💨 (@thereald0tt) March 2, 2021

Gov. Cuomo faced a third accuser on Monday who claimed that he had made unwanted advances at her during a wedding in Sept. 2019. She also was able to produce a photograph capturing their interaction.

The first accusation came from a former aide that said Cuomo had inappropriately touched her and kissed her on the lips without her consent. The second accuser was another former aide who claimed Cuomo had asked her inappropriate questions and appeared to be grooming her for a sexual relationship.

The beleaguered governor has addressed the first two accusers in a statement that denied any inappropriate touching and explained away his allegedly inappropriate comments as harmless "banter" that was misunderstood by the objects of his "playful" jokes.

Earlier on CNN, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio hammered away at the governor and said that if any of the accusations were confirmed that Cuomo would have to step down from the governorship.

Here's how CNN covered the accusations against Cuomo:

Gov. Cuomo accuser says he hasn't taken responsibility for his actionswww.youtube.com

Tucker Carlson airs audio secretly recorded by Michael Cohen of Chris Cuomo denying sexual harassment allegations



Fox News host Tucker Carlson aired a damaging private audio clip of CNN's Chris Cuomo discussing sexual harassment claims made against him on his Fox News show Tuesday.

Cuomo appeared to be talking to Michael Cohen, the former friend and attorney to President Donald Trump, on the recording.

"You know, I'm always careful when I talk to media. Do you know how many f***ing phone calls I've gotten from people at ABC who say that reporters are calling and lying about things they've heard about me, to try to get stories about me when I was at ABC?" Cuomo said on the recording.

"Guys calling and saying, 'I heard he was the Charlie Rose of ABC. He used to invite women to a hotel and open his bathrobe.' Do I look like the kind of f***ing guy who's gotta do that?" Cuomo asked.

"Sure, why not?" Cohen replies.

Carlson mocked Cohen and Cuomo over their conversation and noted how Cuomo was dismissive of the alleged sexual harassment accusations at a time when activists say all such accusations should be taken seriously.

'The media is not your friend'

"Women who do work there saying, 'Oh yeah, you know, some of these men,' naming me with other guys. 'You know, we bumped into each other once in the elevator, and he put his hand on my shoulder, and he made me really uncomfortable,'" Cuomo continued on the recording.

"I'm careful with the media, always," he added. "I've always told you, the media is not your friend."

Cohen registered his surprise and anger in a tweet he posted criticizing that Carlson was somehow able to obtain the private recording.

"The only people in possession of these recordings are me, @DOJ, @POTUS & Trump Org. I did not give this recording or authorization for its use to @FoxNews or anyone," Cohen tweeted.

The only people in possession of these recordings are me, @DOJ, @POTUS & Trump Org. I did not give this recording o… https://t.co/yIO4K5pNvp
— Michael Cohen (@Michael Cohen)1599007276.0

"@POTUS and cronies violated my First amendment rights and now this; all to discredit me and my book," he added. "What's next?"

Cohen made sure to use the occasion to publicize his book.

Here's the video of the leaked audio:

Tucker uncovers new audio of CNN's Chris Cuomo confiding in Michael Cohenwww.youtube.com