Revealed: CNN Anchor Chris Cuomo’s Role In Trying To Save Brother Andrew Cuomo

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, played a role in advising the embattled politician on how to respond to accusations of sexual harassment, revealed a report from the New York Attorney General's office.

The report from Attorney General Letitia James' office included an appendix which featured an email from Gov. Cuomo’s chief of staff, Josh Vlasto, to Chris and others in the governor’s inner circle on Feb. 28 on how the governor should respond to sexual harassment claims by Charlotte Bennett. Chris was also copied in a series of emails dated Feb. 27 from the governor’s communications director, Peter Ajemian. The group appeared to agree that it was best to deny the allegations while commending Bennett's hard work as an employee.

Gov. Cuomo's statement on his official website on Feb. 28 afternoon almost mirrored the email Vlasto sent earlier that day. “At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way,” the statement read.

In James's report, investigators said they found it “revealing and consistent with the Executive Chamber’s overall approach that, when faced with allegations of sexual harassment brought against the Governor, the inner circle of confidantes brought in to control and direct the response included a number of individuals with no official role in the Executive Chamber.”

The report added that Gov. Cuomo’s confidantes “were regularly provided with confidential and often privileged information” even if they had no formal roles or obligations “to the State.” Chris Cuomo was among the people cited by James’s investigators as one of the governor’s confidantes.

The report followed five months of investigation into allegations around the governor. It concluded that there were 11 women who were either groped, kissed or received suggestive comments from Gov. Cuomo.

In a video statement following the release of James’s report, Gov. Cuomo said he “never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.” As if in response to calls for his resignation, the governor said he “will not be distracted from” doing his job.

President Joe Biden said he thinks Gov. Cuomo should step down. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also called for Cuomo’s resignation.

IBT has reached out to CNN for a comment and will update this news article when it is received.