Following a report that alleged they were having a clandestine affair, “Good Morning America 3” hosts T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach have been removed from the show indefinitely.
On November 30, The Daily Mail published an exclusive report alleging that the two anchors, both of whom are married and have children, were “locked in a passionate romance despite both being married to their respective spouses for the past 12 years.”
Speaking on an editorial call Monday morning, ABC News President Kim Godwin announced the couple had been removed, calling her imbroglio an “internal and external distraction.”
Kim argued that the relationship had not violated company policy but said, “I have really taken the last few days to think about and work through what I think is best for the ABC News organization,” TMZ reported.
“This is something I’m not going to talk, we’re not going to talk about on this call until there is more to be said,” Kim reportedly warned. “I’m asking that we stop the whispering in the hallways. You know, we can’t operate with gossip, and speculation and rumors. We need to stay focused on the work. … If you think there is something that management needs to know, you can always call HR or, as we’ve said, talk to a manager that you trust. If you think there is something that we need to know.”
Last week, a representative for Holmes and Robach stated, “They had been close friends for many years but this relationship started over the past few months, after they separated from their respective spouses in August. They had not told anyone, even at ABC, because they were waiting until they both were divorced,” according to The New York Times.
Holmes, 45, has a nine-year-old daughter with wife, attorney Marilee Fiebig, 44, and another daughter and son from a prior relationship; Robach, 49, has two daughters from her first marriage and her husband, former Melrose Place actor Andrew Shue, 55, has three sons.
Transportation correspondent Gio Benitez and national norrespondent Stephanie Ramos are temporarily acting as the couple’s replacements.
On Friday, the couple bantered on the show after the report of their alleged affair went public. with
“You know, it’s too bad it’s Friday. It’s been a great week,” Holmes quipped, prompting Robach to giggle, “Is it?”
“I just want this one to keep going and going and going,” Holmes insisted. “Just enjoy it. Take it all in.”
“Speak for yourself. I’m excited about the weekend. And I’m sure everyone else is too,” Robach responded, adding, “We all love our Fridays around here. Some of us do, at least.”
“Shue deleted photos of Robach from his Instagram after the affair was revealed,” The Daily Mail wrote. Fiebig declined to comment to The Daily Mail.