Just one day after making comments that gave the impression he was unhappy in his line of work, Chris Cuomo clarified his statements about his duties at CNN. Cuomo, who has been self-quarantined after being diagnosed with COVID-19, sparked all kinds of coverage on Monday when talking about his career during his SiriusXM show. The most-questioned comments included Cuomo saying he "doesn't like what he does professionally," and that he didn't believe his job was worth his time.
Following widespread coverage from several outlets, Chris Cuomo has now directly addressed what he said. Cuomo told his SiriusXM audience (via THR) the truth behind his statement, and that what was reported was inaccurate in regards to what he actually was referring to.
It's not true. I never said it. I never meant it. I have never been in a better position, professionally, than I am in right now. They've been so good. They've been so supportive of me in ways I could never have imagined. . . . I've never had a group of people professionally care about me the way they have shown. I'll never be able to repay them, but I'll try hard to do so. I've never been more grateful. I've never been on a better team.
The newsman continued, saying that his initial comments were taken out of context, and were used to propel a narrative that he'd become disgruntled while working for CNN. In reality, Chris Cuomo said the rant was in reference to a confrontation with a stranger who'd seen him him outside his home despite his coronavirus diagnosis, and how Cuomo's position at CNN prevented him from going off on the guy because he's a public figure.
Additionally, Chris Cuomo added that the statement was less about what he's doing personally at CNN, but the requirements of his overall profession at the moment. Cuomo's self-doubt and concern comes in an era where people can search for news stories that appeal to their beliefs rather than object truths. This is frustrating for Cuomo, who has been wrestling with whether or not his job truly matters in that respect.
It is frustrating to do this job in an environment where people are not interested and open. It is hard to practice journalism when people are so intent on believing what they want to believe for political advantage. It makes you question: Is it worth the effort? Can I make a difference? Can I personally make a difference? Is the way I'm doing this working?" . . . I love where I am. I love what I do. That doesn't mean it isn't frustrating. I don't think it's ever mattered more than it has during that administration.
The bottom line is, Chris Cuomo does not want to quit what he's doing. He's more disgruntled about the way he has to do his job, and has some doubts about the way things are currently handled in the news community.
Cuomo Prime Time airs on CNN weeknights at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for the latest news happening in television, and for a look at what's happening in movies as well.
