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CNN insiders react to Zucker resignation, claim every person knew about Gollust relationship

CNN staffers reacted with a aggregate of shock and indignation Wednesday to the resignation of Jeff Zucker as the network’s president.

CNN insiders steered Fox News Digital they possess been caught off-guard by the announcement, which arrived in their inboxes at 11 a.m. ET. 

“As piece of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was requested about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, somebody I the truth is possess labored with for higher than 20 years. I acknowledged the connection developed in fresh years. I was required to say it when it began nonetheless I didn’t. I was immoral. As a result, I am resigning this day,” Zucker wrote in a memo. 

Zucker’s relationship is with CNN marketing chief Allison Gollust, who the now-ragged CNN boss has been speculated to be sharp with for years.

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“I deem it be bulls—,” one CNN insider steered Fox News Digital. “I deem it be absurd he has to plod away [because] of it.”

Gollust, then all over again, is staying at CNN no topic her involvement in the undisclosed relationship. The ragged Andrew Cuomo staffer used to be floated as a imaginable alternative closing year for Zucker, whose time at CNN appeared numbered even earlier than his abrupt exit.

  • Now-ragged CNN boss Jeff Zucker didn’t leave the network on a excessive hide.  (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Photos for WarnerMedia) ( )

  • Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker’s liberal network is plagued by scandal, embarrassing headlines and has struggled to attract an target audience. (Getty Photos) (Getty Photos)

  • NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 17: (L-R) David Levy, Brooke 1st Earl 1st earl baldwin of bewdley of Bewdley, Jeff Zucker and Don Lemon assist CNN Heroes 2017 on the American Museum of Natural Historic previous on December 17, 2017 in New York Metropolis. 27437_015  (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for CNN) ((Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for CNN))

  • Embattled CNN boss Jeff Zucker walked far off from the liberal network on Wednesday after failing to say a “consensual relationship” with a CNN staffer. (Getty Photos) ( )

“I look it this style – she’s extremely appropriate at her job,” the CNN insider acknowledged. “Technically she’s subordinate. I invent no longer deem she also can objective quiet be fired for it provided that. I doubt she’ll end after a time. But I’m a shrimp bit nervous by the other folks speeding to slam her.” 

CNN media pundit Brian Stelter described the network’s staffers as “troubled” after they obtained Zucker’s message. CNN host S.E. Cupp also old the note when she tweeted her reaction.

CNN commentator Mary Katharine Ham used to be chagrined at being requested by newshounds once more to comment on “alleged sexual misdeeds” of men, alongside side she wished she also can comment on higher-browmatters.

Former CNN figures acknowledged Wednesday that the connection between Zucker and Gollust used to be an “initiating secret” that even exterior other folks knew about.

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Jeff Zucker and Allison Gollust possess been seen at a Billy Joel concert in New York Metropolis closing November. (Photo: Radar/Mega)
(Radar/Mega)

“Jeff and Allison possess been in a relationship for tons of years, every person knew … Within the occasion that they undoubtedly cared [about] it, he would possess been fired ages in the past,” a supply shut to the anguish steered Fox News Digital.

The fingers-on executive used to be revered by CNN abilities as used to be exemplified when anchor Alisyn Camerota took a moment on the air Wednesday to name Zucker’s departure an “unbelievable loss.”

“Jeff is a outstanding person and a glorious chief,” Camerota acknowledged. “He has this uncanny skill to make, I deem, every of us feel special and treasured in our maintain plot, even though he is managing a global news group.”

Stelter relayed Zucker’s claim that the reference to Gollust had no longer too lengthy in the past change into romantic, no topic the rumors that wasn’t appropriate, alongside side his sources acknowledged WarnerMedia had steered Zucker he may per chance per chance well well be fired if he didn’t step down on his maintain.

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“I upright deem it be so regrettable the plot it came about … These are two consenting adults who are both executives. That they are able to no longer possess a non-public relationship feels immoral,” Camerota acknowledged.

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