Chris Cuomo Claims CNN Bromance with Don Lemon Was Orchestrated

Chris Cuomo has revealed that his on-air friendship with former CNN colleague Don Lemon was largely orchestrated by then-network head Jeff Zucker as a ratings strategy, rather than a genuine bond. On Patrick Bet-David's podcast, Cuomo said their nightly banter and even their joint podcast, 'The Handoff,' were Zucker's ideas to support Lemon's show, claiming Zucker wanted him to 'stay over on [Lemon’s] show to help mitigate whatever’s going to come out of his mouth.' Cuomo criticized Lemon for not supporting him during Cuomo's 2021 scandal involving his brother, which led to Cuomo's termination from CNN, and stated he would not consider reuniting on a podcast unless Lemon apologized 'man to man.' Insiders from CNN have disputed Cuomo’s account, calling his version of events 'absurd' and suggesting it is a bid for attention. Both Lemon and Zucker have since left CNN amid their own controversies, with Lemon now hosting a YouTube show. Cuomo continues to pursue a legal battle against CNN for his firing.