CNN President Jeff Zucker resigns over romantic relationship with colleague Allison Gollust

By Edward Era Barbacena

Jeff Zucker has resigned from his post as head of CNN for failing to disclose a relationship with a top executive. The relationship came to light during the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN. Zucker initially stood by Cuomo but later dismissed him after he faced more misconduct allegations. 

Zucker’s resignation comes a year after CNN reported that he was close to an exit. In 2014, Jeff told New York Magazine that his job at CNN would likely be his last in television. He talked of aspirations to run a football team, be the New York Times’s sports editor, or run for political office. 

Jeff Zucker and his ex-wife Caryn Zucker

Jeff split with his ex-wife Caryn after ten years of turmoil

Jeff Zucker and his ex-wife Caryn met when they were working at NBC. He was the executive producer of The Today Show, and she was a supervisor on Saturday Night Live. 

The couple wed in 1996 at the Pierre Hotel. The pair welcomed three sons and one daughter during their over two-decade union. 

In January 2018, the pair split. They sent a statement to Page Six expressing their intention to remain committed to their kids as friends. The statement read:

“Together, we have made the difficult decision to separate, but do so as friends committed to our kids. They remain our sole focus.”

A source speaking to the publication stated that Jeff’s relationship with Caryn had been on edge for a decade. The fact that they enjoyed different things broadened the gap between the pair. The source said:

“It can’t be easy being married to Jeff — he is a workaholic, and is obsessed with news, and obsessed with being the best. Caryn is much more laid back and social, spends a lot of time with their kids and enjoys being part of the Upper East Side social circuit.”

Allison Gollust

Zucker and his longtime friend Allison Gollust grew closer during the lockdown 

Jeff didn’t mention the executive’s name in his resignation statement, but her identity didn’t remain secret for long. CNN anchor Brian Stelter reported that the lady involved was Allison Gollust, chief marketing officer of CNN worldwide.

Zucker and Allison started working together at NBC in the late 90s. After Jeff moved to CNN, she was one of his first hires. Jeff’s resignation memo read:

“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.” 

Allison released a statement saying that she would remain at CNN. She stated that the pair’s relationship turned romantic during the lockdown. Gollust said:

“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. 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 every day.”