CNN's Chris Cuomo Gets Baited By Right-Winger Into Heated Exchange

Chris Cuomo (image via Instagram)

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo got drawn into a heated verbal exchange when an unidentified man in New York approached Cuomo in public.

Cuomo was out with his family as the man addressed him and repeatedly called him, "Fredo." The name references the Fredo Corleone character in the movie, The Godfather, who was the weak brother who betrayed his family.

According to Cuomo, who is proud of his Italian heritage, being called "Fredo" is an ethnic slur.

Apparently, right-wing fanatics call Cuomo by the name to denigrate the newsman for his reporting on Donald Trump.

The anonymous man insists he thought Cuomo's name was "Fredo," but I think that's a bit disingenuous.

CNN’s Chris Cuomo being baited by right-winger while Cuomo is out with his family. It gets pretty heated. Cuomo later tweeted he could have handled the situation better. pic.twitter.com/ff6wYWuyGa

— The Randy Report (@randyslovacek) August 13, 2019

The far-right nuts are living for this.

Cuomo admittedly gets riled up, but considering he was with his family and the man reportedly continued to badger him, I think it's understandable. There are no reports that the incident escalated to physical violence.

CNN has made a statement saying they stand with him, and Cuomo has tweeted an acknowledgement he could have handled the incident better.

Even conservative figures like Fox News pundit Sean Hannity and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci weighed in saying that the unidentified man was a jackass for trying to bait Cuomo while out with his 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

Chris Cuomo defended himself when he was verbally attacked with the use of an ethnic slur in an orchestrated setup. We completely support him.

— Matt Dornic (@mdornic) August 13, 2019

Appreciate all the support but - truth is I should be better than the guys baiting me. This happens all the time these days. Often in front of my family. But there is a lesson: no need to add to the ugliness; I should be better than what I oppose.

— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) August 13, 2019

Chris Cuomo Threatens Man Who Hurled Italian Slur 'Fredo' at Him very proud of ⁦@ChrisCuomo⁩ this happens all the time. It’s quite racist. https://t.co/RWzqqzpDWE

— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) August 13, 2019