Undisclosed Work Romance Costs Jeff Zucker His Job

CNN president resigns
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 2, 2022 10:39 AM CST
CNN President Jeff Zucker Resigns Over Work Romance
CNN's Jeff Zucker is seen in New York on Dec. 8, 2019. Zucker announced Wednesday that he's resigning from CNN.   (Photo by Jason Mendez/Invision/AP, File)

This story has been updated with new details about Zucker's resignation: Jeff Zucker resigned as CNN president Wednesday after disclosing a relationship with a co-worker. CNN has this from a memo sent to employees around 11am ET: "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. 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." CNN reports the colleague, who wasn't named in the memo, is Chief Marketing Officer Allison Gollust, who isn't exiting the company. CNBC points out that both Zucker and Gollust are divorced.

She had this to say in a memo of her own: "Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. 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]." CNBC reports that the CEO of CNN parent WarnerMedia, Jason Kilar, also offered up a statement to employees: "We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past nine years. We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly." In CNN's report, it notes the sudden news "sent shock waves inside CNN and across the industry." (More Jeff Zucker stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X