Disgraced ex-CNN anchor Chris Cuomo and his legal team have decided on want they want from the left-wing network — a staggering $125 million.
In a new court filing, Cuomo says his “journalistic integrity” was “unjustifiably smeared” by an “unwarranted termination” by CNN.
Cuomo’s employment was terminated following a months-long investigation and 165-page report by New York Attorney General who found well-corroborated allegations against the Cuomo brothers.
Using “intel” from inside the media, Chris helped advise Andrew on how to respond to reports about his inappropriate groping, kissing, hugging, and remarks.
Chris is accused of using his sources in the media to assist with the reporting that was being done on the governor’s accusers. The investigation found Cuomo is accused of sexually harassing at least 11 women and retaliating against a former employee who complained.
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Lawyers argue, “Cuomo has been damaged in countless ways” by being “unceremoniously” fired.
He is also demanding lost back pay, bonuses and future earnings.
Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker and lover Allison Gollust were also fired by CNN when it was revealed they were in an undisclosed relationship, while also having had their own close ties to Andrew Cuomo.
More on this story via NY Post:
Cuomo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, told The Post in a statement, “It should by now be obvious to everyone that Chris Cuomo did not lie to CNN about helping his brother.
“In fact, as the limited information released from WarnerMedia’s investigation makes clear, CNN’s highest-level executives not only knew about Chris’s involvement in helping his brother but also actively assisted the Governor, both through Chris and directly themselves.”
Referencing reports that Zucker and Gollust advised then-Gov. Cuomo about how to handle his infamous COVID daily briefings, Freedman continued, “As CNN has admitted, network standards were changed in a calculated decision to boost ratings. When those practices were called into question, Chris was made the scapegoat.
“The legal action filed today makes clear that CNN wrongfully terminated Chris and further violated the express terms of his employment agreement by allowing its employees to disparage him. Chris is owed a full apology from those responsible.”
The demand for arbitration filed Wednesday states, “As a result of Turner’s indefensible choice to unceremoniously fire him, Cuomo has been damaged in countless ways,”— Advertisement —
“Cuomo has had his journalistic integrity unjustifiably smeared, making it difficult if not impossible for Cuomo to find similar work in the future and damaging him in amounts exceeding $125 million, which includes not only the remaining salary owed under the Agreement, but future wages lost as a result of CNN’s efforts to destroy his reputation in violation of the Agreement,” the court document said.
The filing adds. “Cuomo now seeks to recover the full measure of his damages against Turner and CNN.”
That $125 million breaks down into around $18 million for earnings and bonuses allegedly owed to Cuomo on his CNN contract and anything he would have made in the future.
But sources say there are “consequential damages” of around $100 million because Cuomo has a “non disparagement clause” in his contract which was not honored when he was terminated “effective immediately” on December 4 after claims of sexual misconduct were made against the already-suspended host.