Chris Cuomo files $125 million arbitration against CNN in wake of Zucker resignation

Former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo has filed an arbitration claim against his former employer, seeking $125 million, according to a news report Wednesday.  

Deadline.com reports that Cuomo's legal team is arguing their client has been "damaged in countless ways" due to his firing in late 2021.

"Cuomo has had his journalistic integrity unjustifiably smeared, making it difficult if not impossible for Cuomo to find similar work in the future and damaging him in amounts exceeding $125 million, which includes not only the remaining salary owed under the Agreement, but future wages lost as a result of CNN’s efforts to destroy his reputation in violation of the Agreement," reads the filing.

Cuomo was fired in December 2021 after being suspended for for allegedly misleading then-CNN President Jeff Zucker and other top executives about his contact with aides to his brother, former New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and journalists covering the unfolding sexual harassment that befell the governor. 

Prior to his firing, prominent employment attorney Debra S. Katz informed CNN of a client with an allegation of sexual misconduct against Cuomo dating back to his time at ABC. 

Months later, Zucker resigned, citing his formally undisclosed relationship with top CNN executive Allison Gollust.

CNN parent-company WarnerMedia conducted an investigation into Zucker's relationship with Gollust, the details of which Cuomo is now pressing the company to make more public.

"It should by now be obvious that Chris Cuomo did not lie to CNN about helping his brother, a Cuomo attorney told Deadline. "In fact, as the limited information released from WarnerMedia’s investigation makes clear ... As CNN has admitted, network standards were changed in a calculated decision to boost ratings. When those practices were called into question, Chris was made the scapegoat."