Zucker quits as president of CNN for failing to disclose relationship with senior executive
CNN president Jeff Zucker – considered to be one of the most powerful figures in media – has resigned as investigations into host Chris Cuomo uncovered that he failed to disclose an affair with a colleague he’s worked with for more than 20 years.
Zucker, 56, was involved with a relationship with Allison Gollust, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for CNN Worldwide, both confirmed Wednesday.
Their professional relationship began when the two were colleagues at NBC; both left that network around the same time in late 2010.
The colleagues are both divorced.
‘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,’ he wrote in an internal memo to colleagues. ‘I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong.’
Zucker confirmed the affair in a statement Wednesday released to the New York Times.
‘Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,’ she wrote. ‘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.’