On Wednesday morning, CNN president Jeff Zucker resigned from his post after the internal investigation into disgraced former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo revealed that Zucker was having an ongoing consensual relationship with one of his colleagues at the media network that he had failed to disclose to the company.
The New York Times first reported the story after obtaining an internal CNN memo Zucker sent to CNN employees. A portion of the memo as shared by CNN’s Brian Stelter can be read here:
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. 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.
I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.
I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and a success for all of us.
I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead.
With gratitude and much love.
Jeff
According to Stelter, CNN was “stunned.”
Jeff Zucker just announced his resignation to a stunned CNN. pic.twitter.com/sWXYNBO20d
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 2, 2022
CNN’s Oliver Darcy echoed these comments, saying, “Staffers inside CNN are in absolute shock right now. Employees at the company learned of Zucker’s sudden departure all at once via a company-wide email that went out just after 11am.”
Staffers inside CNN are in absolute shock right now. Employees at the company learned of Zucker’s sudden departure all at once via a company-wide email that went out just after 11am. https://t.co/yv8nH0r2Qj
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) February 2, 2022
According to CNN, Jason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent company WarnerMedia, sent an email to staffers discussing the steps ahead after Zucker’s departure:
“I have accepted Jeff Zucker’s resignation as Chairman of WarnerMedia News and Sports, and President of CNN Worldwide. We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past 9 years.”
Kilar added, “We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly. Both of these organizations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters.”
CNN also reported that the unnamed colleague was Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer for CNN. “Gollust is remaining at CNN,” according to the company:
In a memo of her own, Gollust said, “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. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”
Zucker was married to Caryn Nathanson for 21 years before divorcing in 2018. The couple has four children.
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