When Chris Cuomo was fired in late 2021 by CNN, many were anticipating legal action on the part of the former anchor. Deadline reports that Cuomo has launched the official opening barrage.
The report reveals that Cuomo isn’t only preparing for a financial battle with CNN, which over $125 million in cash, but one over his character and family drama too.
“As a result of Turner’s indefensible choice to unceremoniously fire him, Cuomo has been damaged in countless ways,” states a demand for arbitration filed by Cuomo’s attorneys.
“Cuomo has had his journalistic integrity unjustifiably smeared, making it difficult if not impossible for Cuomo to find similar work in the future and damaging him in amounts exceeding $125 million, which includes not only the remaining salary owed under the Agreement, but future wages lost as a result of CNN’s efforts to destroy his reputation in violation of the Agreement,” the filing adds. “Cuomo now seeks to recover the full measure of his damages against Turner and CNN.”
That $125 million battle between the anchor and network breaks down into “consequential damages” of no less than $110 million out of the apparent “Turner and CNN’s breach of the express terms of the Agreement.”
When it comes to the added $15 million, it’s basically what Cuomo and his attorneys say remained due to him under his existing contract when he was sacked “effective immediately” on December 4 by then CNN president Zucker following claims of sexual misconduct made against the already-suspended host.
“It should by now be obvious that Chris Cuomo did not lie to CNN about helping his brother,” lawyer Bryan Freedman said. “In fact, as the limited information released from WarnerMedia’s investigation makes clear, CNN’s highest-level executives not only knew about Chris’s involvement in helping his brother but also actively assisted the Governor, both through Chris and directly themselves.”
“As CNN has admitted, network standards were changed in a calculated decision to boost ratings. When those practices were called into question, Chris was made the scapegoat. The legal action filed today makes clear that CNN wrongfully terminated Chris and further violated the express terms of his employment agreement by allowing its employees to disparage him. Chris is owed a full apology from those responsible.”