Cuomo SHUTS Down Lemon – NO Apology!

Former CNN stars Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon’s once-friendly banter has devolved into a bitter feud with Cuomo demanding a “man-to-man” apology and refusing to collaborate on a podcast reunion with his former colleague.

At a Glance

• Chris Cuomo rejected the idea of starting a podcast with Don Lemon, insisting he wants a direct apology instead
• Their on-air chemistry was allegedly manufactured by former CNN boss Jeff Zucker to boost ratings
• Cuomo claims Zucker wanted him to stay on Lemon’s show to “mitigate whatever’s going to come out of his mouth”
• Their relationship deteriorated after Cuomo was fired in 2021 for assisting his brother Andrew during a sexual harassment scandal
• Cuomo is pursuing a $100 million lawsuit against CNN while hosting a show on NewsNation

Loyalty Above All: Cuomo’s Rejection of Lemon

Chris Cuomo made his position crystal clear during a recent appearance on Patrick Bell-David’s “Home Team” podcast, flatly dismissing any possibility of working with his former CNN colleague Don Lemon again. When asked about potentially collaborating on a podcast with Lemon, Cuomo’s response was unequivocal. The former primetime anchor emphasized that loyalty is his primary value, and in his view, Lemon failed that fundamental test during Cuomo’s darkest professional moments.

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“Why would I do it?” Cuomo stated bluntly in the interview. “You think he’s going to apologize to me? I am a loyalty guy… that’s the end of the analysis for me… You’re ride or die, or you’re not.”

The Manufactured “Handoff” Relationship

What many viewers perceived as genuine camaraderie between the two anchors during their nightly program transitions was, according to Cuomo, a calculated arrangement orchestrated by former CNN president Jeff Zucker. The two previously co-hosted “The Handoff” podcast, capitalizing on what appeared to be natural on-air chemistry. Cuomo now claims this dynamic was deliberately engineered by network executives rather than representing an authentic friendship.

“You’ve gotta stay over on his show to help mitigate whatever’s going to come out of his mouth,” Cuomo claims Zucker told him, revealing the alleged behind-the-scenes motivation for their on-air partnership.

Insiders at CNN dispute Cuomo’s characterization of events, suggesting his recent comments might be primarily aimed at generating publicity for his current ventures. The contradiction highlights the often complicated nature of relationships in the high-stakes world of cable news, where public personas and private realities can significantly diverge.

The Fall of CNN’s Star Anchors

The breakdown between Cuomo and Lemon is part of a larger CNN implosion that saw both anchors eventually exit the network under controversial circumstances. Cuomo was terminated in December 2021 after revelations emerged that he had assisted his brother, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, during a sexual harassment scandal. This professional transgression violated journalistic ethics and network policy, leading to his dismissal.

Cuomo didn’t leave quietly, filing a $100 million lawsuit against CNN that remains ongoing. He has since found a new broadcasting home at NewsNation, where he hosts a primetime show with significantly smaller viewership than his former CNN platform. Lemon faced his own troubles at CNN before his eventual firing in April 2023, following controversial on-air comments and reported clashes with colleagues.

Personal Connections and Network Politics

Cuomo added fuel to the ongoing media feud by suggesting Lemon’s longevity at CNN was due less to merit and more to personal connections. “Zucker’s best friend is Don Lemon’s best friend — who’s his agent — so, they had a real bond,” Cuomo alleged in his recent interview, implying that industry relationships rather than journalistic ability protected Lemon at the network.

This accusation provides a glimpse into the complex web of relationships that often underpin major media organizations. Zucker himself resigned from CNN in February 2022 after failing to disclose a consensual relationship with a senior executive at the network, adding another layer to the network’s recent leadership turmoil. Neither Lemon nor Zucker has publicly responded to Cuomo’s recent characterizations of their relationships or decision-making.

Lemon has since launched a YouTube show following his CNN exit, which Cuomo dismissively characterized as uninteresting, further cementing the apparent permanence of their professional estrangement. The once-celebrated CNN brotherhood has conclusively fractured, with little indication of potential reconciliation on the horizon.