Ex-CNN chief Jeff Zucker was ousted to bolster AT&T’s case against Chris 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 attorneys determined to go over his head: They went to AT&T, CNN’s proprietor, sources conversant in the matter advised The Publish.

Cuomo’s attorneys argued AT&T was concerned in selective enforcement, based on 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 attorneys argued, AT&T ought to pay Cuomo the complete $18 million he was demanding. 

Cuomo’s attorneys argued AT&T was concerned in selective enforcement since Jeff Zucker was allowed to maintain his job regardless of not disclosing a relationship with a colleague.

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However as a substitute of paying up, AT&T pressured Zucker to resign after Cuomo squealed on him to the telecom big, sources advised The Publish.

From a monetary standpoint, it seems Cuomo hasn’t gotten the windfall he was looking for. Sources conversant in the matter say AT&T hasn’t coughed up the $18 million. However from one other standpoint, he may 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.

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AT&T pressured Zucker to resign over his secret relationship fairly than paying Cuomo the $18 million.

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

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

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

Zucker stepped down from CNN Wednesday after 9 years on the community.

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“How do you fireplace a journalist who violates a coverage whereas the CEO will get away with violating a coverage?” stated one supply conversant in the matter.

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

Cuomo nonetheless desires to achieve a settlement with CNN, sources stated.