Chris Cuomo’s Appeal to Disqualify Arbitrator in CNN Case Denied

Chris Cuomo has hit a roadblock in his attempt to challenge the arbitrator overseeing his $125 million claim against CNN. A New York appeals court has upheld the decision, ruling that Cuomo failed to provide evidence of bias on the part of the arbitrator.

The arbitration process was set in motion after Cuomo was let go by CNN in 2021. His firing came after it was revealed that he had provided guidance to his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

Cuomo’s request for arbitration alleged that there was a deliberate effort to tarnish his reputation by CNN. He claimed that his dismissal was premature, driven by public and internal pressure and not based on solid facts.

Cuomo’s legal team sought to disqualify the arbitrator, Stephen Sonnenberg of JAMS, citing his previous involvement with CNN-related cases. Sonnenberg, who previously worked at Paul Hastings, had worked on matters related to the network but claimed no recollection of them.

In its ruling, the court emphasized that despite Cuomo’s objections to the arbitrator’s past connections to CNN, there had been no complaints about the proceedings or decisions made in the arbitration so far. This decision is a significant setback for Chris Cuomo’s efforts to challenge the handling of his arbitration case against CNN.