Fox Corp. announced Thursday that award-winning journalist Maria Bartiromo will no longer appear on its networks. In a brief statement, the company said, “We thank Maria for her work over the last 12.5 years and wish her all the best on her next chapter.”
Getty Image-Maria Bartiromo
Reports circulating online claimed Bartiromo was dismissed after allegedly violating her contract by sending screenshots of internal guidance to the White House about coverage of a China-related 2020 election story. Those accounts have been attributed by some observers to Fox’s media relations operation.
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Bartiromo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, rejected the reports as false by telling me, “For many years, Maria Bartiromo hosted three number one rated television shows on Fox channels. She has been, without question, one of the hardest working journalists throughout her award winning career. The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false. Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise. Those reporting her firing or the incredulous facts supporting that fiction have exhibited a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth.”
Instagram- Maria Bartiromo with President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump reacting to the news by saying, “I can’t believe Maria Bartiromo is no longer going to have her great show(s) on FoxNews/Business. Three different shows, always number one. Maria is a total professional, and a true warrior. Her fans, of which there are many, will not be happy. God bless you, Maria!”
Fox has previously faced accusations of targeting the 12.5-year veteran. Former booking producer Abby Grossberg sued the company and later reached a $12 million settlement. Her lawsuit alleged that some at Fox referred to Bartiromo as “crazy” and “menopausal.” Grossberg made additional claims in the suit, including ones involving the Tucker Carlson program that the other party has denied.
As a former Fox News and Fox Business booking producer who worked on Bartiromo’s weekend show said I never met the anchor in person but found her to be a total professiona during tapings and show development, with no “diva”-like behavior.
Megyn Kelly noted that Fox Corp.’s media relations team has a reputation for aggressive tactics. Kelly once described Senior Executive Vice President Irena Briganti as someone “known for her vindictiveness.”
Getty Image- Megyn Kelly
Maria Bartiromo hosted three shows for Fox Corp which covered 16.5 hours a week of content for the network. Filling her slots will be impossible.