Don Lemon Stays Silent About Chris Cuomo's Suspension From CNN

CNN's Anderson Cooper addressed his co-worker Chris Cuomo being suspended while his friend and podcast co-host Don Lemon failed to mention it.

This suspension comes after CNN began an investigation into testimony released by the New York Attorney General on Monday in relation to the sexual misconduct claims against former New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, Chris Cuomo's brother.

Transcripts indicated that Chris Cuomo had been closely involved in helping his brother form a defense against the accusations. He has been accused of using his media influence to dig up information on the women making accusations.

Ahead of the decision to suspend Chris Cuomo, CNN told Newsweek: "The thousands of pages of additional transcripts and exhibits that were released today by the NY Attorney General deserve a thorough review and consideration.

"We will be having conversations and seeking additional clarity about their significance as they relate to CNN over the next several days."

Lemon, whose show regularly follows on from Chris Cuomo's, did not address the suspension. On Monday the CNN host praised Chris Cuomo and said he was one of "kindest people" he knows.

He said: "It is good to see you, I know you had a great Thanksgiving, I hope that you did. I missed you, I am grateful for your friendship and your love, I think that you are fantastic. You are one of the kindest people I know on this planet, there you go, I meant every word."

Lemon has also faced criticism on social media for showing support for Chris Cuomo ahead of his suspension.

On Anderson Cooper 360°, the host he said he would be getting a second hour as Chris Cuomo and his show had been suspended. Cooper said: "Some news now about this network, it involves Chris Cuomo the host of Cuomo Prime Time.

"New documents released this week indicated that Chris was more intimately involved than previously known in helping his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, craft a defense amid a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations."

He then read out the statement from a CNN spokesperson. "The New York Attorney General's office released transcripts and exhibits Monday that shed new light on Chris Cuomo's involvement in his brother's defense. The documents, which we were not privy to before their public release, raise serious questions.

"When Chris admitted to us that he had offered advice to his brother's staff, he broke our rules and we acknowledged that publicly. But we also appreciated the unique position he was in and understood his need to put family first and job second.

"However, these documents point to a greater level of involvement in his brother's efforts than we previously knew. As a result, we have suspended Chris indefinitely, pending further evaluation."

Charlotte Bennett, one of the women accusing Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct, took to Twitter yesterday to demand that CNN take action against Chris Cuomo. This tweet was posted ahead of news of Chris Cuomo being suspended.

In a tweet, she wrote: "Yesterday, we learned just how far Chris Cuomo was willing to go to discredit, silence and smear women, like me, who came forward to report Governor Cuomo's sexual misconduct.

"In addition to scouring the internet for personal information about me, he reached out to his professional network with the hope of intercepting additional allegations against his brother, Governor Cuomo.

"CNN must immediately take action. The network need not investigate his behavior, the investigation is over, and yesterday we received answers.

"Just like his older brother, Chris Cuomo used his time, network, and resources to help smear victims, dig up opposition research, and belittle our credible allegations. His behavior is reprehensible, unprofessional and inexcusable.

"CNN must act now. Anything short of firing Chris Cuomo reflects a network lacking both morals and a backbone. Does CNN stand by journalistic integrity, or will it simply excuse his actions because Chris Cuomo drives ratings."

Newsweek has reached out to CNN for comment.