Chris Cuomo admits 'it was a mistake' to advise brother the way he did

Following a report that he had been advising his brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, through multiple allegations of sexual harassment, Chris Cuomo opened Cuomo Prime Time Thursday by addressing the report.

“Today there are stories out there about me offering my brother advice. Of course I do. This is no revelation. I have said it publicly, and I certainly have never hidden it,” Cuomo said. “I can be objective about just about any topic, but not about my family. Those of you who watch this show get it. Like you, I bet, my family means everything to me. And I am fiercely loyal to them. I am family first, job second.”

This was the first time Cuomo has addressed the allegations against Gov. Cuomo since early March when he said on his show that he would not cover the story because he is his brother. Cuomo acknowledged the unique situation he’s in, and said he understands why CNN described his actions as “inappropriate.”

“Being a journalist and a brother to a politician is unique, and a unique challenge, and I have a unique responsibility to balance those roles. It's not always easy,” Cuomo said, adding, “When my brother's situation became turbulent, being looped into calls with other friends of his and advisers, that did include some of his staff, I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again. It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot. I never intended for that.”

Video Transcript

CHRIS CUOMO: Today, there are stories out there about me offering my brother advice. Of course I do. This is no revelation. I have said it publicly, and I certainly have never hidden it.

KYLIE MAR: Chris Cuomo opens "Cuomo Prime Time" Thursday by addressing reports that he advised his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as multiple women accused that the governor of sexual harassment.

CHRIS CUOMO: Those of you who watch this show get it. Like you, I bet, my family means everything to me, and I am fiercely loyal to them. I'm family first, job second.

KYLIE MAR: Cuomo also addressed a story from CNN earlier in the day, in which it was revealed that the networks found his actions inappropriate.

CHRIS CUOMO: When my brother's situation became turbulent, being looped into calls with other friends of his and advisors that did include some of his staff, I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again. It was a mistake.

KYLIE MAR: This was the first time Cuomo has spoken about the allegations against his brother since early March, when he said that he would not be covering the story on his show. And Cuomo insists he has never tried to influence CNN's coverage.

CHRIS CUOMO: Not only do I not cover this here, I've never tried to influence this network's coverage of my brother. In fact, I've been walled off from it. This is a unique and difficult situation, and that's OK. I know where the line is.

KYLIE MAR: And while Cuomo isn't sorry that he helped his brother, he did apologize to his colleagues at CNN.

CHRIS CUOMO: I love my brother. I love my family. I love my job. And I love and respect my colleagues here at CNN. And again, to them, I am truly sorry.