Who is Angela Rye? Tinsel's definition explored as ex-CNN commentator reveals shocking texts from Chris Cuomo  

Recently, former CNN contributor Angela Rye accused journalist Chris Cuomo of sending her explicit messages on the Native Land Pod. On her podcast, the former alleged that not only did the latter send her an inappropriate message, but she also speculated that the incident must have played a role in her contract not being renewed with the television network.

On her podcast Native Land Pod, which she hosts alongside co-anchors Andrew Gillum and Tiffany Cross, Angela Rye said that she received the jarring message from Chris Cuomo on New Year’s. The same reportedly read: “Happy New Year, tinsel crotch.”

Cuomo had reportedly sent her a screenshot of a picture she had posted on social media, which included her wearing a bikini. For those uninitiated, ‘tinsel’ refers to a form of decoration that includes tiny strips of sparkling metal foil that are attached to pieces of thread.

Speaking about the incident, Rye described it as “one of the most embarrassing, humiliating experiences I had.” The news presenter also said in the podcast that aired on January 11:

“I felt like the safest place I had on a show on CNN had been compromised.”

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Angela Rye made Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Women to Watch list

Born on October 26, 1979, Angela Rye is 44 years old. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. She went on to pursue law at the Seattle University School of Law. Before appearing on CNN, she worked at NBLSA and NAFEO.

She was also the senior adviser and counsel member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security. She proceeded to join the Congressional Black Caucus as an Executive Director and General Counsel member.

Since then, she has been the principal and CEO of Impact Strategies, a political advocacy firm that helps clients achieve their political goals.

Due to her expertise in politics, she has appeared in multiple shows and magazines, including CNN, MSNBC, Marie Claire, The Washington Post, Forbes, Fortune, The Today Show, and Real Time with Bill Maher, among others. Angela Rye is also the CEO of A. Rye Inc., which aims to create content for over 200 productions.

She has accumulated numerous accolades, including Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Women to Watch, Marie Claire’s Power Women, and MSNBC’s BLTWY Power List of 35 People Under 35. A few other awards she has received include DC’s Most Influential People, the National Action Network Action & Authority Award, and the Seattle University BLSA Vanguard Leader of the Year Award, among others.

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Angela Rye's time at CNN ended after the Chris Cuomo incident

On January 21, 2021, Angela Rye received a call informing her that CNN would not be renewing her contract. She claimed that CNN told her that they decided to focus more on COVID coverage than politics. Angela Rye did not believe them, as it was later confirmed that two black women were hired to take her position.

She also alleged that Cuomo messaged her from another phone number to ask if she was upset with him. She said on the podcast:

“I was mad at myself for not saying anything sooner. Because I was lacking courage and preferring my financial well-being over my mental health not standing up for women who are often left powerless in these situations.”

Rye went on to say that she would not appear as a guest on Cuomo’s program moving forward.