CNN Faces Controversy as Chris Cuomo Lawsuit Exposes Network’s Connection to Warner Bros.
In a recent lawsuit filed by former CNN host Chris Cuomo, shocking details have emerged regarding the network’s involvement with Warner Bros. Specifically, text messages have been revealed that show CNN lobbying former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on behalf of Warner Bros., urging him to reopen theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The text messages, which were sent by CNN’s former chief marketing officer Allison Gollust in September 2020, suggest that she wanted Andrew Cuomo to meet with then-Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff. The messages imply that Warner Bros. was desperate to reopen theaters in order to salvage their struggling revenue. At the time, many states had imposed restrictions on theaters to combat the spread of COVID-19, causing a significant decline in box office earnings.
The close relationship between the Cuomos, CNN executives, and Warner Bros. is further highlighted by Gollust’s previous role as Andrew Cuomo’s communications director and her later affair with CNN CEO Jeff Zucker. These ties helped facilitate a connection between Sarnoff and Andrew Cuomo, ultimately leading to discussions on reopening theaters.
Reopening theaters was a crucial move for Warner Bros., as the studio was suffering financially due to the closure of theaters and the subsequent lack of box office revenue. In 2020, Warner Bros. only grossed just over $200 million in the North American box office, a sharp decline from the $1.5 billion the previous year. The limitations on theaters also caused complications for the release of Christopher Nolan’s film “Tenet,” which was delayed multiple times.
The text messages from Gollust to Andrew Cuomo came just weeks before the ousted CNN CEO Chris Licht was removed from his position. Licht’s departure followed a scathing profile in The Atlantic that highlighted his shortcomings. The timing of these events raises questions about potential motivations and the internal dynamics within CNN and Warner Bros.
The text message revelations have emerged in the midst of Chris Cuomo’s $125 million lawsuit against CNN, in which he claims wrongful termination. Cuomo alleges that he was fired for coaching his brother on how to handle sexual misconduct allegations. The messages may play a crucial role in his legal defense, as they suggest that his involvement with Andrew Cuomo was not solely personal but was encouraged and perpetuated by CNN as a whole.
It is evident that reopening theaters was a priority for Warner Bros. during the pandemic, as they faced significant financial losses. The revelations of CNN’s lobbying efforts add another layer to the complex relationship between the media, entertainment, and politics. As the lawsuit progresses, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact both CNN and Warner Bros.
Source: [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12186305/Text-messages-reveal-CNN-lobbied-ousted-NY-Gov-Andrew-Cuomo-Covid-restrictions.html?ito=msngallery)
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