In a stunning move, Jeff Zucker resigned as CNN president Wednesday, citing his failure to disclose a relationship with a longtime colleague.
Zucker’s sudden departure was announced in a statement posted on Twitter by the cable news network’s media correspondent Brian Stelter.
“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 said in a memo to employees. “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 relationship was with Allison Gollust, CNN’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.
“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” Gollust said in a statement. “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 everyday.”
Zucker said in his memo that the relationship surfaced during CNN’s investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who was fired in December following revelations over his involvement in managing the sexual harassment scandal that forced his brother Andrew to resign as governor of New York.
The resignation ends Zucker’s nine-year career at CNN and comes in advance of Discovery Inc.'s acquisition of Warner Media later this year.
Zucker, 56, was also chairman of Warner Media’s news and sports division.
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