Political commentator and attorney Angela Rye has accused former CNN colleague Chris Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, claiming that a text message about her bikini ultimately led to her departure from the network.
Rye, who was a regular guest on Cuomo’s now-canceled “Cuomo Prime Time” series, detailed the disturbing incident on the premiere episode of her iHeart podcast, “Native Land Pod,” co-hosted with Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum.
According to Rye, the incident occurred on New Year’s Day in 2021 when she posted a picture of herself in a gold sequin bikini on Instagram.
Chris Cuomo allegedly screenshot the image and sent her a text saying, “Happy New Year, tinsel crotch.”
Rye expressed her shock and vulnerability, describing it as “one of the most embarrassing, humiliating experiences” she’s ever had.
She tearfully recounted feeling that the safe space she had on CNN had been compromised.
This is not the first time Cuomo has faced allegations of misconduct. In September 2021, Shelley Ross, Cuomo’s former ABC News boss, accused him of sexual harassment in a New York Times op-ed. Another woman also came forward that year with her own claims of sexual assault against the television journalist.
Rye revealed that she chose not to respond to Cuomo’s comment on her bikini initially. However, a week later, he reportedly reached out again to pitch an idea for his show.
Rye questioned the “genuine nature” of the idea, considering the prior inappropriate text exchange.
The situation took a turn for the worse when, on January 21, 2021, CNN informed Rye that her contract would not be renewed.
When asked by her podcast co-hosts if she believes the incident with Cuomo led to her firing, Rye admitted uncertainty but expressed her belief that it played a role.
During the podcast episode, Rye disclosed that Cuomo, now working for NewsNation, had texted her from a new number last year, asking if she was still upset about his bikini comment.
Rye admitted being angry at herself for not speaking up sooner, citing a struggle between financial well-being and mental health, and expressed regret for not standing up for women who are often left powerless.
