Ex-CNN chief Zucker was ousted to bolster case towards Cuomo: sources

When former CNN chief Jeff Zucker stonewalled Chris Cuomo and refused to pay out the roughly $18 million that was on the rest of his contract, Cuomo’s legal professionals determined to go over his head: They went to AT&T, CNN’s proprietor, sources accustomed to the matter informed The Submit.

Cuomo’s legal professionals argued AT&T was concerned in selective enforcement, in keeping with the sources. Zucker — who violated firm coverage by relationship a colleague with out disclosing it — was capable of maintain onto his soft job, however Cuomo had gotten the boot for serving to his brother, now-former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, navigate sexual harassment claims.

Given these circumstances, Cuomo’s legal professionals argued, AT&T ought to pay Cuomo the complete $18 million he was demanding.

However as an alternative of paying up, AT&T compelled Zucker to resign after Cuomo squealed on him to the telecom large, sources informed The Submit.

From a monetary standpoint, it seems Cuomo hasn’t gotten the windfall he was in search of. Sources accustomed to the matter say AT&T hasn’t coughed up the $18 million. However from one other standpoint, he might need achieved some vindication.

Chris Cuomo argued he was entitled to the roughly $18 million that was on the rest of his contract after he was fired from CNN.Getty Pictures for Turner

AT&T compelled Zucker to resign over his secret relationship slightly than paying Cuomo the $18 million.AFP by way of Getty Pictures

“It exhibits clearly CNN is a large number — and likewise distress loves firm,” one supply mused.

AT&T and CNN did not return requires remark. An lawyer for Cuomo, Bryan Freedman, additionally did not instantly reply to a request for remark.

After AT&T grew to become formally conscious of the scenario with Zucker, it doubtless needed to do one thing, sources mentioned.

Zucker stepped down from CNN Wednesday after 9 years on the community.The Asahi Shimbun by way of Getty Pictures

“How do you hearth a journalist who violates a coverage whereas the CEO will get away with violating a coverage?” mentioned one supply accustomed to the matter.

The PR fallout for AT&T – an organization with a market capitalization of $175 billion – would have been far worse than any potential settlement that might nonetheless include Cuomo, one supply famous.

Cuomo nonetheless needs to achieve a settlement with CNN, sources mentioned.