Chris Cuomo ends speculation about working with Don Lemon as he slams ex-CNN colleague for disloyalty
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Chris Cuomo is pulling back the curtain on his once-public friendship with fellow former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
During an appearance on Patrick Bet-David’s 'PBD Podcast', Cuomo claimed their lighthearted handovers weren’t organic banter but a directive from former CNN president Jeff Zucker, reports TV Insider.
Chris Cuomo dismisses past friendship with Don Lemon
“You’ve gotta stay over on (Lemon’s) show to help mitigate whatever’s going to come out of his mouth,” Chris Cuomo said, describing his role in the nightly transitions.
Though they co-hosted 'The Handoff' podcast and even went on tour together, Cuomo now says the connection was never personal. Asked if he would team up with Lemon again, his response was swift, “Why would I do it?”
The NewsNation host pointed to a lack of support from Lemon during his 2021 departure from CNN, following revelations that he had advised his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, during a harassment scandal.
“He should have asked me what was going on… heard (my) side,” Cuomo said, accusing Lemon of distancing himself at a crucial time.
Despite saying he wishes Lemon well, Cuomo added, “I have nothing but good stuff for him. I hope for good things. But I am a loyalty guy… that’s the end of the analysis for me… You’re ride or die, or you’re not. People have different value systems. I want him to be successful. But why would I do a podcast with him?”
He also suggested Lemon’s rise at CNN was helped by personal connections, stating, “Zucker’s best friend is Don Lemon’s best friend — who’s his agent — so, they had a real bond.”
Meanwhile, both journalists have moved on.
Lemon now hosts a YouTube show, which Cuomo said he doesn’t “find particularly interesting.” Lemon, for his part, told Mediaite last year, “I never said we’re not friends, I just haven’t spoken to him. We needed a little break. But I love Chris. I love his family. Very close to his family. But we have not spoken, no.”
Internet reacts as Chris Cuomo throws shade at Don Lemon
Chris Cuomo stirred the pot this week after making pointed remarks widely interpreted as shade toward former CNN colleague Don Lemon — and social media users wasted no time diving in with their takes.
One scoffed, “Cuomo talking about being truthful. Haha,” and another said, “When has Chris Cuomo ever been right about anything? Problem with him is Chris thinks he’s a lot smarter than he actually is.”
A person wrote, “Chris Cuomo not having a problem with ‘CNN’ speaks VOLUMES,” whereas someone else added, “The way Cuomo described Lemon is exactly how we see Cuomo.”
"Someone should ask Chris if he would ever go back to CNN… because I believe he would in a second," another comment read.
One more expressed, "Chris is a God in his own mind that’s for sure. Loyal strong, amazing guy according to him."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
