Jeff Zucker, the longtime head of CNN and news industry titan, announced his resignation on Wednesday, a report by the American media outlet said.
“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,” Zucker wrote in an email to staff. “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,” he added.
Chris Cuomo, the former CNN anchor who hosted the network’s 9 p.m. hour, was fired by the network late last year over his actions advising his brother, former New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo.
While Zucker did not name the colleague with whom he had a relationship in his email, he was referring to Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer and a senior vice president at CNN.
Gollust acknowledged the relationship in a statement of her own that was reported by CNN.
“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” she said. “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 every day.”
