Chris Cuomo opens up about advice he gave his brother: 'I did urge my brother to resign'
Chris Cuomo ended Cuomo Prime Time Monday, his first show back from vacation, by addressing the role he played in his brother’s scandal. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to step down amid sexual harassment allegations.
“It was a unique situation being a brother to a politician in a scandal and being part of the media,” Cuomo said. “I tried to do the right thing, and I just want you all to know that. As I've said, we have rules here at CNN that prevent me from reporting on my brother. They remain in place and will continue to.”
Cuomo admitted in May to speaking with his brother’s aides and giving his brother advice, something that some saw as a conflict of interest, despite the fact that Cuomo said from the beginning that he would not report on the situation. On Monday, he revealed what advice he offered, and corroborated reports that he urged his brother to resign.
“My advice to my brother was simple and consistent,” Cuomo said. “Own what you did, tell people what you'll do to be better, be contrite and finally, accept that it doesn't matter what you intended. What matters is how your actions and words were perceived. And yes, while it was something I never imagined ever having to do, I did urge my brother to resign when the time came.”
Video transcript
CHRIS CUOMO: It was a unique situation being a brother to a politician in a scandal and being part of the media. I tried to do the right thing, and I just want you all to know that.
KYLIE MAR: On "Cuomo Prime Time" Monday, Chris Cuomo addressed his role in the scandal involving his brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is set to step down amid sexual harassment allegations. Chris said at the beginning that he would not cover his brother because he can't be impartial, garnering derision by some in the media.
CHRIS CUOMO: I said point-blank, I can't be objective when it comes to my family. So I never reported on the scandal. And when it happened, I tried to be there for my brother. I'm not an advisor. I'm a brother. I wasn't in control of anything. I was there to listen and offer my take.
KYLIE MAR: Cuomo admitted in May to advising his brother as more allegations came to light. And on Monday, he revealed what advice he gave him.
CHRIS CUOMO: My advice to my brother was simple and consistent-- own what you did, tell people what you'll do to be better, be contrite, and, finally, accept that it doesn't matter what you intended. What matters is how your actions and words were perceived.
KYLIE MAR: Cuomo became a target for some in the media due to his proximity to his brother's scandal, but claims neither his, nor CNN's, journalistic integrity was ever compromised.
CHRIS CUOMO: I never misled anyone about the information I was delivering or not delivering on this program. I never attacked, nor encouraged, anyone to attack any woman who came forward. And I never influenced or attempted to control CNN's coverage of my family.
KYLIE MAR: And Cuomo corroborated reports that he advised his brother to resign.
CHRIS CUOMO: And yes, while it was something I never imagined ever having to do, I did urge my brother to resign when the time came.
