CNN host Chris Cuomo goes viral over heated ‘Fredo’ exchange caught on video

CNN host Chris Cuomo went viral on Monday night after a video of him in a heated exchange with another man over the word “Fredo” circulated online.

The video, said to have been sent to “THAT’S THE POINT with Brandon,” shows Cuomo threatening a man who called him “Fredo.” Cuomo took the name “Fredo” to be an insult and compared it to a slur for Italians similar to the N-word — a point which many disputed. Instead, they believe “Fredo” is a reference to “The Godfather” and a way of mocking someone for being the dumb son/brother. Chris’ father Mario is the former New York governor.

Here’s the video exchange (beware: the video contains profanity).

The video’s description on YouTube says a “fan of news went to ask Chris Cuomo for a photo, mind you the man who asked him DID NOT know his real name and knows of him only through The RUSH LIMBUAGH SHOW and on that show Rush repeatedly calls him “FREDO” so the man legitimately thought his name was FREDO.”

CNN is standing behind the 49-year-old host.

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

Cuomo may be wrong about the nature of the insulting term, but there is no doubt being called “Fredo” is not meant to be a compliment.