Bari Weiss Hires ABC Anchor Criticized for Comment About Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Killer

Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News, successfully recruited ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman on Friday. This move comes months after Gutman faced criticism for his on-air remarks regarding the alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Weiss had previously been linked to potential plans to position Gutman as the anchor of CBS Evening News. The show recently saw both of its co-anchors, Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson, step down.

Sources revealed to Pucks Dylan Byers that while Gutman will not be leading the Evening News, he will be leaving his role as ABCs chief national correspondent to assume a senior correspondent position at CBS.

Weiss, who became CBS News EIC in October following Paramounts acquisition of her publication The Free Press, reportedly pursued Gutman early in her tenure. Although Gutman initially indicated he intended to stay at ABC, Weiss continued negotiations, culminating in his move to CBS.

The controversy surrounding Gutman stemmed from his coverage of messages allegedly sent by Kirks suspected killer, Tyler Robinson. Gutman described the texts as "very touching in a way that many of us didnt expect" and referred to them as "a very intimate portrait into this relationship," noting the duality of Robinson.

His phrasing sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing him of romanticizing the suspect and minimizing Kirks murder, which had occurred just a week earlier. Gutman later issued an apology, stating that he "unequivocally condemn[ed] this horrific crime and the pain it caused Charlie Kirks family, those who were forced to witness it at UVU, and the millions of people he inspired."

Details regarding Gutmans exact responsibilities at CBS have not been disclosed.

Author: Maya Henderson