Political commentator Angela Rye has come forward with shocking sexual harassment allegations against her former CNN colleague Chris Cuomo. She claimed he called Mr. Cuomo a “shoddy crotch” in a text message.
In the first episode of his Native Land Pod podcast, Lai began by discussing his “disappearance” from CNN after several years there.
She recalled being informed by CNN in January 2021 that her contract would not be renewed due to a shift in focus on the coronavirus rather than politics, and said her departure had more “impact” than she initially thought. “I knew it was a problem,” he said. “Shortly thereafter, two black women were hired for half of my current endowment.”
She went on to say that she had “repressed it for three years.”
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“Just 10 days before he got that call on January 21st, the network's darling and one of the most influential hosts during Jeff Zucker's tenure announced that he was going to talk about what he was thinking about in his prime-time show's Think segment. They texted me with the idea,” Lai said. “Chris Cuomo suddenly got excited about me having the important regular role of checking in on the left side. To be honest, I had my doubts about the nature of the idea… I came up with the idea for this particular segment after that disastrous outcome.”
“It all started on New Year’s Day when I posted a photo of myself looking forward to the new year. gold sequin bikini on instagram. Mr. Cuomo took a screenshot of the image and said, “Happy New Year, you tinsel crotch,'' Lai told listeners. “Stunned, I reread it dozens of times trying to understand the message. Anything you post on social is fair game, so if for some reason I brought this on myself, then so be it. You know? It brought tears to my eyes…I felt like my safest place on CNN had been violated.”
Former CNN contributor Angela Rye revealed sexual harassment accusations against former colleague Chris Cuomo on her podcast “Native Land Pod.” (Screenshot/Native Land Pod)
Lai said Cuomo sent her a message a few hours later saying hello and tried to call her the next day to “discuss work.” She was late in replying to him, and she reportedly asked if he still wanted to talk about the idea of a job, even though she mentioned “tinsory bikinis and tinsel bottoms along the way.”
“When I think about it, it seems so small compared to what other women in the workplace are going through, but I was afraid to speak up,” Lai said. “Between the new year and my follow-up, there was a riot at the Capitol and I was worried that I was going to lose loved ones. If I called him out, I'd finally start building in my network. I felt like I was risking everything.”
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Before the email scandal, Angela Rye appeared regularly on Chris Cuomo's CNN show. (Screenshot/CNN)
She then appeared to address a tearful message to Cuomo himself.
“I'm mad at myself for not addressing this sooner. I'm mad at myself for protecting your image with the black women I know who love you and look forward to hearing your voice.” I stood up,” Lai said. “I know I'm not the only one, and that everyone gave you a pass for fear of what it would mean to be held accountable for clearly inappropriate behavior and overreach.” “I was angry at myself for shrinking in the face of authority when people were counting on me to stand up and speak out. This was even more difficult for me because I was legitimately sober. We had a great relationship, but I was worried it would damage our friendship and work.'' hurt. I have tried many times to turn you around, but you have abused undeserved benefits. ”
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She went on to say, “So, I apologize. I apologize for not focusing on what I knew was my mission, for cowering in the face of authority, and for not doing more.'' Everything that needed a voice. I apologize to that woman. I was silent. I apologize. I apologize.” How to muster courage for waiting in the wings for an opportunity that never came, sacrificing Angela, an injured sixth grader who was in desperate need of protection in the face of bullies. I apologize for not taking action even though I knew this.
“I apologize to those who have had experiences like this in newsrooms, on Capitol Hill, in executive support staff roles, and in university auditoriums. I see you, so I want to know that you are not alone. “And I apologize for minimizing the news. “The effect this had on me was that I wasn't ready to admit or talk about it for what it was. “So no, Chris, I will not be a guest on your show now or ever again. Thank you.” “Thank you for the platform. It wasn't worth the emotional upset. Thank God you were able to clearly understand the fact that nothing can take away the voice you never created, either for yourself or for the network executives who made it possible for you. appreciate” . ”
Representatives for Mr. Cuomo did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. CNN declined to comment.
Cuomo was fired by CNN in late 2021 after CNN learned of sexual assault accusations by a former colleague at ABC News. (Reuters)
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Cuomo was fired by CNN in 2021 after an anonymous former co-worker came forward with sexual assault allegations while they worked together at ABC News. Mr. Cuomo flatly denied his own claims.
Separately, former ABC News producer Shelley Ross came forward several months ago alleging that Cuomo grabbed her buttocks at a work event in 2005. She produced an email in which Cuomo appeared to acknowledge the incident and apologize for his actions.
The allegations come at a time when the former prominent CNN anchor was under intense scrutiny for revelations that he helped his brother, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, behind the scenes in a sexual harassment scandal that led to his resignation. It was held in
Chris Cuomo then joined NewsNation.
Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.
