ABC News controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Former ABC News producer sues CBS News, ABC and Disney alleging harassment and discrimination
Lawsuit filed
A former ABC News field producer filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against a CBS News chief correspondent, ABC News, The Walt Disney Co. and an ABC bureau chief. The complaint alleges the correspondent made sexualized workplace comments and that ABC terminated the producer after denying medical accommodations related to trauma from covering the Uvalde school massacre. It further accuses ABC and Disney of discrimination, retaliation, failure to accommodate medical conditions and wrongful termination. The allegations have not been adjudicated.
Former ABC News field producer Samira Said sued CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman, ABC News, The Walt Disney Co. and an ABC bureau chief in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging Gutman made sexualized workplace comments and that ABC fired her after denying medical accommodations related to trauma from covering the Uvalde school massacre. The complaint also accuses ABC and Disney of discrimination, retaliation, failure to accommodate medical conditions and wrongful termination. The allegations have not been adjudicated.
Source excerpt
The allegations against Gutman are part of a broader lawsuit in which Said accused ABC and Disney of discrimination, retaliation, failing to accommodate her medical conditions and wrongfully terminating her.
2024
Donald Trump defamation settlement
ABC News and its owner, Disney, settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump over statements made by George Stephanopoulos regarding Trump’s liability in the E. Jean Carroll case. The agreement included a contribution toward a future presidential library foundation, payment of legal fees, and publication of a statement expressing regret over the phrasing.
2020
ABC News responds to allegations against talent executive
Company response
ABC News said allegations that senior talent executive Barbara Fedida used derogatory and racially charged language toward staff did not represent its values. The network placed Fedida on administrative leave while it investigated the allegations. The claims were reported as allegations, not established findings.
Company response
Investigation — ABC News
we have placed Barbara Fedida on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough and complete investigation.
Personnel action — ABC News
we have placed Barbara Fedida on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough and complete investigation.
Source excerpt
ABC News’ top talent executive, Barbara Fedida had been repeatedly accused of using racially charged and abusive language against the staff.
These allegations do not represent the values and culture of ABC News, where we strive to make everyone feel respected in a thriving, diverse and inclusive workplace.
we have placed Barbara Fedida on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough and complete investigation.
2019
ABC News apologizes and removes disputed footage
Company response
ABC News apologized and removed video that had aired in two news programs after questions were raised about its accuracy. According to the source, the footage appeared to come from a Kentucky gun range rather than the Syrian border. The apology and removal followed scrutiny of the video's accuracy, and the source reported the apparent discrepancy regarding the footage's location.
Company response
Apology — ABC News
ABC News regrets the error.
Remediation — ABC News
We’ve taken down video that aired on “World News Tonight" Sunday and “Good Morning America” this morning
Source excerpt
Finally, ABC was forced to apologize and take down the videos from their website:
CORRECTION: We’ve taken down video that aired on “World News Tonight" Sunday and “Good Morning America” this morning that appeared to be from the Syrian border immediately after questions were raised about its accuracy. ABC News regrets the error.
The network said it “appears to show the fury of the Turkish attack.”
1985
Cancellation of the Marilyn Monroe report
ABC News president Roone Arledge stopped a planned 20/20 report concerning alleged relationships among Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. Arledge characterized the material as insufficiently suitable for broadcast, while program figures including Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters, Av Westin, and Geraldo Rivera criticized the decision and its handling. The controversy contributed to Rivera’s departure from ABC.