CNN's Jake Tapper has slammed Chris Cuomo for giving his brother advice on the sexual harassment claims he faces, agreeing the anchor has "put us in a bad spot".
CNN analyst Cuomo is said to have told New York governor Andrew Cuomo how to respond to the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Top aides, lawyers, and outside advisers for Cuomo are also said to have taken part in the calls, which took place earlier this year, according to The Washington Post.
Tapper, Washington's top CNN anchor, condemned the calls, telling The New York Times: "I cannot imagine a world in which anybody in journalism thinks that that was appropriate.
"Chris, in his apology that he delivered on air, said that he put us in a bad spot. I would also agree with that."
The 52-year-old added: "I work very hard to be fair and to be ethical and to not cross lines. And I certainly understand the love that Chris has for his brother… but that was not a fun day."
Several women have come forward to accuse Democrat Andrew Cuomo of sexually harassing them or otherwise making them feel uncomfortable with his words or behavior.
CNN confirmed in a statement to the Post that Chris Cuomo had taken part in the calls but added his involvement was a mistake.
“Chris has not been involved in CNN’s extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo — on air or behind the scenes,” the network said in a statement.
“In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother.
“However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor’s staff, which Chris acknowledges,” the statement added.
“He will not participate in such conversations going forward.”
Chris Cuomo, who hosts Cuomo Prime Time, is said to have told the governor during the calls not to resign and encouraged him to take a defiant stance against the allegations, the Post reported, citing four people familiar with the discussions.
According to two sources who spoke to the Post, he used the phrase “cancel culture” during one call.
Last week, Chris admitted he had been "looped into calls with other friends of [Cuomo's]," advisers, and other members of the governor's staff."
He acknowledged that being a journalist and the brother of a politician is "a unique challenge, and I have a unique responsibility to balance those roles."
And he apologized for his "mistake", saying CNN would continue to cover the sexual misconduct allegations against his brother.
He said sorry to his colleagues for putting them in a "bad spot."
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