CNN anchor Chris Cuomo did not take kindly to being called “Fredo” by a stranger.
The incident occurred at an event in New York City on Sunday, according to TMZ. Cuomo, who is the brother of New York governor Andrew Cuomo, is seen yelling at a man who called him “Fredo”:
“Punk ass bitches from the right call me Fredo. My name is Chris Cuomo. I’m an anchor on CNN. Fredo is from The Godfather. He was a weak brother and they use it as an Italian aspersion.”
The video made its way onto social media. In the full clip, Cuomo is heard threatening to throw the man down a staircase.
A man in NY yesterday approached CNN's Chris Cuomo and called him "Fredo"
Cuomo: "You're going to have a problem"
Man: "What are you going to do about it?"
Cuomo: "I'll fuckin ruin your shit. I'll fucking throw you down these stairs"
Credit: "THAT'S THE POINT with Brandon" pic.twitter.com/4iWwzaSQpF
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) August 13, 2019
CNN issued a statement defending Cuomo, calling the whole thing an intentional setup:
“Chris Cuomo defended himself when he was verbally attacked with the use of an ethnic slur in an orchestrated setup. We completely support him.”
Perhaps the most surprising defense of the CNN anchor came from FOX News’ Sean Hannity, who tweeted his support for Cuomo.
It seems one issue the left and right can agree on is not heckling someone when they’re out in public with their family.
I say good for @ChrisCuomo
He’s out with his 9 year old daughter, and his wife, and this guy is being a jackass in front of his family.
Imho Chris Cuomo has zero to apologize for. He deserves the apology. https://t.co/VnyMNgz14U
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) August 13, 2019
