CNN's Jeff Zucker Wishes He Acted More Quickly

CNN President Jeff Zucker addressed Chris Cuomo’s stunning firing in a town hall with staffers Tuesday, saying he was at peace with the result but may have in hindsight taken action sooner.

According to Fox News citing a CNN insider, Zucker said it was easy to criticize CNN’s handling of the situation, but he was "comfortable" with the end result. 

CNN fired Cuomo on Saturday after a brief suspension, following reports that his involvement with his brother Andrew Cuomo’s political defense against sexual harassment allegations was far more extensive than previously known. 

"Yes, in hindsight he may have taken action sooner but result he’s comfortable with," an insider told Fox News Digital about Zucker’s words to CNN staff.

Zucker had previously chosen not to formally reprimand Cuomo when news first came to light that he'd helped his brother, the former New York governor, participating in strategy calls with top aides as he faced multiple accusations of harassment. Cuomo had also been allowed to do friendly interviews with his brother at the outset of the pandemic, despite his clear conflict of interest.

A spokesperson for Chris Cuomo said the former anchor and CNN boss Jeff Zucker had "no secrets" regarding his involvement in protecting his scandal-plagued big brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images)

A spokesperson for Chris Cuomo said the former anchor and CNN boss Jeff Zucker had "no secrets" regarding his involvement in protecting his scandal-plagued big brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images) (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images  |  CNN)

A CNN source told Fox News Digital this week that the network had done the right thing with Cuomo and there was "universal relief" over his dismissal inside the company.

"That’s separate from liking Chris or not liking Chris – it’s people feeling that there was a right thing to do, and it was done," the insider said.

Multiple reports indicated Cuomo did not receive a severance when he was terminated, as CNN determined the firing was for cause.