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Chris Cuomo on advising his brother amid allegations: 'I am family first, job second'

Chris Cuomo opened Thursday's Cuomo Prime Time by addressing reports that he has been advising his brother New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment. Allegations against Gov. Cuomo first surfaced late last year, and more women have come forward since, with accusations covering a range of inappropriate behavior.

“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,” Chris 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.”

The story about Chris Cuomo’s participation in strategy sessions with his brother’s team was first broken by The Washington Post Thursday afternoon, after which, CNN described his behavior as “inappropriate.” But, while a spokesperson for the network said Cuomo’s participation was improper, he would not face any disciplinary action. Cuomo spoke about his unique situation and admitted it was a mistake to advise his brother in the way that he did.

“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.”

This was the first time Chris 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: “Obviously, I cannot cover it because he is my brother”

While others at the network have been covering the story, Chris Cuomo insists he has never tried to influence CNN’s coverage.

“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,” Cuomo said. “This is a unique and difficult situation, and that's OK. I know where the line is. I can respect it and still be there for my family, which I must. I have to do that.”

While Cuomo isn’t sorry that he tried to help his brother, he did apologize to his colleagues at CNN.

“I love my brother, I love my family, I love my job,” Cuomo said. “And I love and respect my colleagues here at CNN. And again, to them, I am truly sorry.”

Cuomo Prime Time airs weeknights at 9 p.m. on CNN.

Watch Chris Cuomo first address the allegations against his brother in March: 'I cannot cover it because he's my brother':

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