CNN considering parting ways with Anderson Cooper for being 'foolish' on show amid tumbling ratings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper is reportedly facing an axe from the network for his controversial behavior on the New Year's Eve show and could be on his way out.

Despite being a powerful figure with a $20 million annual salary, the network bigwigs wouldn't mind booting him out amid rating issues, sources have revealed. 

Anderson Cooper and his partner Andy Cohen under fire for joking about drug use 

Anderson Cooper and his partner Andy Cohen are facing internal backlash for their New Year's Eve show where they joked about using drugs.

"There have been a lot of complaints about them making light of drug use on a family show, even though it was late at night," an insider told Radar Online.

The controversy erupted when DJ Diplo revealed on CNN's NYE show that he took LSD on his way to the event, shocking hosts Cooper and Cohen who later praised Diplo's "cool lifestyle".

Cooper admitted he felt envious of Diplo's exciting life which includes helicopters and heavy drinking.

Cooper also marveled at Diplo's ability to handle his booze, noting that he downed four shots during the show without slowing down.

Insider says Anderson Cooper has been 'foolish enough' on the show

The publication reported that the network might cut Anderson Cooper out now that they have an excuse amid declining ratings as he takes a major salary cut.

"Some people at CNN think Anderson is overhyped and overpaid. If he's going to be foolish enough to say things like that, it may be a good time to part ways with him," a source told Radar Online.

With the network reportedly doing severe slashing in an attempt to turn a profit, it is being considered "very bad timing for him".

Is CNN considering bringing back Chris Cuomo? 

Meanwhile, there are rumors of bringing back former star Chris Cuomo to save the sinking ship.

"There's been a changing of the guard at top levels and now folks are whispering about bringing Chris back," revealed the source.

Cuomo was dismissed in 2021 for violating CNN's journalistic standards.

"Chris was CNN's best anchor – and his abrupt departure left a gaping hole the network hasn't been able to fill," another insider told National Enquirer. 

However, a representative has dismissed the rumors saying, "There's no truth in this report."

Internet says 'CNN would be foolish' to get rid of Anderson Cooper 

There are mixed reactions to the story regarding the possibility of Anderson Cooper being ousted from the CNN network.

"CNN would be foolish to get rid of Anderson. They’d lose too many viewers. We love Anderson and trust him to deliver the news," one commented on Instagram. 

"Their broadcast was a mess," a user admitted.

Another wrote, "This is ridiculous. Anderson is the best! The New Year's Eve broadcasting with Andy is the ultimate best viewing of all the New Year's Eve broadcasting on any other channel."

"Come on!! I will not watch CNN if they take Anderson Cooper off," reacted one.

Another commented, "Shame on him."

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