January 1, CNN President Abruptly Resigns Over Undisclosed Relationship

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CNN president Jeff Zucker resigned after failing to disclose a relationship with another senior executive.

Zucker, 56, is considered one of the most powerful media executives in the U.S. His relationship with Allison Gollust, CNN’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, came to light during an investigation into the conduct of fired CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.

CNN’s chief media correspondent Brian Stelter shared a copy of Zucker’s internal note to staff announcing his resignation, saying it “stunned” the network.

“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.

“I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong.”

Gollust will remain in her position at the network.

“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time,” Gollust said in a statement.

“I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday,” she added.

However, some CNN employees are reportedly upset over the network’s decision to keep Gollust, accusing her of lying about the timeline of their romantic relationship.

“They’ve been together for years,” a network insider said. 

“And she’s still lying about it today — the statement she made that ‘recently our relationship changed during Covid’ is a total lie.” 

Source:

CNN’s Jeff Zucker resigns over undisclosed relationship