CNN’s Allison Gollust expressed her frustration over the way WarnerMedia sought to “change the media narrative” over her resignation regarding her relationship with former network President Jeff Zucker.
A copy of Gollust’s email to CNN staff was shared on Twitter by Dylan Byers from the Puck on Tuesday that claimed the network’s move was “an attempt to retaliate” against her.
“WarnerMedia’s statement tonight is an attempt to retaliate against me and change the media narrative in the wake of their disastrous handling of the last two weeks. It is deeply disappointing that after spending the past nine years defending and upholding CNN’s highest standards of journalistic integrity, I would be treated this way as I leave,” she wrote.
“But I do so with my head held high, knowing that I gave my heart and soul to working with the finest journalists in the world. I will be in touch with each of you soon. In the meantime, please know that this has been the greatest experience of my life, working with each of you,” Gollust added.
— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) February 16, 2022
Earlier Tuesday, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar announced Gollust’s resignation in an email to CNN staff members.
“Earlier today, Allison Gollust resigned from CNN following the conclusion of the Company’s investigation into issues associated with Chris Cuomo and former Governor Andrew Cuomo,” Kilar wrote.
“Performed by a third-party law firm and led by a former federal judge, the investigation was comprehensive and definitive. It was commissioned in September and concluded this weekend, which now allows me to share additional information with you. Based on interviews of more than 40 individuals and a review of over 100,000 texts and emails, the investigation found violations of Company policies, including CNN’s News Standards and Practices, by Jeff Zucker, Allison Gollust, and Chris Cuomo,” Kilar continued.
Brand new memo from Jason Kilar: "The investigation found violations of Company policies, including CNN's News Standards and Practices, by Jeff Zucker, Allison Gollust, and Chris Cuomo." pic.twitter.com/Xu1HQJw9cT
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 16, 2022
The Daily Wire previously reported on Gollust’s resignation, stating:
Zucker resigned from the company weeks before after the investigation revealed that he and Gollust were in an undisclosed relationship. CNN fired Cuomo in December for aiding his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, formulate a media strategy and respond to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
“I realize this news is troubling, disappointing, and frankly, painful to read. These are valid feelings many of you have,” Kilar wrote. “We have the highest standards of journalistic integrity at CNN, and those rules must apply to everyone equally. Given the information provided to me in the investigation, I strongly believe we have taken the right actions and the right decisions have been made.”
“I am asking in this moment that we all commit to the vital mission we share and the values that define us. CNN, WarnerMedia, and this incredible team deserve that commitment,” he concluded.
The three top CNN leaders are not the only ones to face departures under difficult circumstances recently. The network also had two former producers arrested in separate child sex allegations in 2021.
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