CNN President Jeff Zucker, whom industry insiders speculated would play a larger role when the network becomes part of Discovery, resigned on Wednesday, telling staff he failed to disclose a consensual relationship with a colleague.

Mr. Zucker, 56, said in a memo that his relationship came to light during the network’s investigation into the conduct of Chris Cuomo, a primetime CNN anchor who was fired in December for assisting his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was accused of sexual misconduct.

Andrew Cuomo has said his accusers had misinterpreted his words, gestures, and demeanor.

“I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t,” Mr. Zucker, who also stepped down from his role as chairman of WarnerMedia’s news and sports division, wrote in the memo.

Mr. Zucker, through a spokesperson, declined an interview request. He is divorced, his representative said.

He did not name his colleague in the memo, but the relationship was with Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer for the network, CNN anchor Brian Stelter said during a broadcast Wednesday, adding she was remaining at CNN.

“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” Mr. Stelter quoted Ms. Gollust as saying in a separate memo of her own issued on Wednesday. “Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”

Ms. Gollust did not immediately respond to a request for comment. CNN is part of AT&T-owned WarnerMedia, which is being spun off in a $43-billion transaction with Discovery. — Reuters

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