Remember When Now-Disgraced Cuomo ‘Man Hugged’ Stephanopoulos During Transition?

It’s not been a good week for Chris Cuomo, CNN or ABC. He was accused of conspiring with his brother to subvert sexual abuse accusations and then being fired as an anchor on the cable channel. Cuomo quit his job as a radio anchor and has been in an ongoing dispute with CNN. Cuomo was working at ABC when the sexual harassment claims against him were made. 

You might find it interesting to look back at 12 years past today, and discover what Cuomo did when he was working for ABC. Cuomo had just been defeated by George Stephanopoulos in the 2009 December 11th. GMA hosting job. Two network executives awkwardly choreographed their transitions on-air. 

Cuomo pretended to be excited for Stephanopoulos, his competitor for the top spot: “It’s been some of the toughest news not to break to all of you that George is coming here. He’s a good friend of mine. I’m so happy for you and excited. Do you need anything I can help?” 

Tapping his heart, he gushed, “They’re going to be lucky to have you. It’s amazing… What a great team. My heart. My heart is already.” 

 

 

After Stephanopoulos and Cuomo awkardly hugged, journalist Juju Chang hyped, “That’s a man hug, if I ever saw one!” 

Cuomo and the old cast (then-ABC weatherman Champion and Chang), Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer, walked to the couch from the anchor desk. Cuomo, despite the fact that there was plenty of space next to Stephanopoulos’ couch, adjusted first his side and then snuggled next to Champion.

Now, it’s December 2021. ABC host are trying desperately to conceal the fact that Cuomo was accused of harassing their networks. Dec 6, 2018 Good Morning America — Chris’s former show — journalist TJ Holmes described the claims as happening at “another network, not at CNN.” 

Yeah, that’s called ABC.  

You can find more FLASHBACK examples in our NewsBusters Time Machine. Go here.

About Post Author

Follow Us