CNN President Zucker resigns, citing undisclosed relationship with senior executive

CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker resigned Wednesday citing his failure to disclosed a relationship with his "closest colleague."

"As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo's tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years," the 56-year-old Zucker said in a letter to employees. "I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn't. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today."

The investigation into Cuomo when he was a top CNN show host was sparked by allegations he helped his brother, Andrew Cuomo, New York governor at the time, craft messaging to defend against multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Chris was fired after an internal investigation of the matter, and his brother resigned amid a New York prosecutor's report substantiating such allegations. 

Zucker leaves one of the biggest and most influential news-media companies in the world. 

The relationship was with CNN's chief marketing officer Allison Gollust, who will stay with the company.

Gollust acknowledged the consensual relationship in a memo of her own and said she's remain with the company.

"Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years," she said in the statement obtained by the Associated Press. "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," she said.