Fredogate
On Monday August 12th 2019, a video of CNN anchor Chris Cuomo went viral after a member of the public called him "fredo" and he badly handled the situation and threatened violence.[1][2] The incident made headlines in several newspapers earning him the nickname Fredo Cuomo or Fredo the Younger. His brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is often referred to as Fredo the Elder.
Incident
After a man allegedly called him "Fredo" on Sunday August 11th, the CNN host was seen on video claiming to fellow Italian-Americans that the insult is comparable to "the N-word."
One of the men sarcastically tells Cuomo that âyouâre a much more reasonable guy in person than you seem to be on televisionâ, Cuomo threatens him by saying, âyouâre going to have a big fucking problem ... donât insult me like that ... you know my nameâs not Fredo. ... Iâll fucking throw you down these stairs like a fucking punk.â
The video was posted on Twitter by Ryan Saavedra of the Daily Wire, who credited the footage to right-wing personality/YouTube host Brandon Recor.
President Donald Trump posted to Twitter about the incident several times:
âIt always happens! When a Conservative does even a fraction of what Chris Cuomo did with his lunatic ranting, raving, & cursing, they get destroyed by the Fake News. But when a Liberal Democrat like Chris Cuomo does it, Republicans immediately come to his defense. We never learn!â[1]
Fallout
The New York Post made fun of the CNN host in the paper's October 14th cover, creating a rendition of an image showing characters from the movie The Godfather, which features the news anchor as Fredo Corleone.[3]
CBS2 political reporter Marcia Kramer reported:
It all happened because Cuomo didnât like being compared to the ineffective son in âThe Godfatherâ forced to take a backseat to younger brother Michael.[1]
There was no response from the Governor of New York State Andrew Cuomoâs office on âFredogateâ but Chris Cuomo tweeted a response to followers saying âI should be better than the guys baiting me.â[4]
References
- â 1.0 1.1 1.2 âFredo-Gateâ Blows Up In Social Media After CNN Chris Cuomoâs Rant Over Hecklerâs Comment
- â Threatens Man Who Called Him Fredo At Dinner, video
- â New York Post cover photoshops Chris Cuomo as 'Fredo' in Godfather pic
- â Chris Cuomo Speaks Out On 'Fredo' Fight: 'I Should Be Better Than What I Oppose'