An attorney for former FOX News host Maria Bartiromo said on Friday that the longtime anchor was not fired from the network.
Bartiromo’s attorney Bryan Freedman ripped “irresponsible reports” surrounding FOX News Media’s announcement that Bartiromo was no longer with the media giant.
“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,” said Freedman. “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.”
Bartiromo’s departure was announced suddenly on Thursday in a short statement from FOX News Media that read, “Effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with FOX News Media. We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 ½ years and wish her all the best on her next chapter.”
By Friday morning, the network changed the 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. “Mornings With Maria” show name to “Mornings with FOX Business.” The show will be hosted by rotating anchors. While FOX News said that Bartiromo’s departure was effective on Thursday, she had been off air for weeks.
President Donald Trump, who is a friend of Bartiromo, said on Thursday, “I can’t believe Maria Bartiromo is no longer going to have her great shows on FOX News/Business. Three different shows, always number one. Maria is a total professional, and a true warrior.” He added that “her fans, of which there are many, will not be happy.”
After the news broke, speculation swarmed that Bartiromo might become Trump’s new press secretary. Vice President JD Vance addressed the rumors, saying, “No, I don’t think so. I just saw the news literally as I walked out. I love Maria. I think she’s an amazing person, an amazing talent.” He joked that he should bring FOX News White House Correspondent Peter Doocy, who was sitting in the briefing room, up to explain what had happened.
Bartiromo has built one of the most recognizable careers in business journalism. She made history in 1995 as the first journalist to broadcast live regularly from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange while working for CNBC. After two decades at CNBC, she joined FOX Business in January 2014. She went on to host three programs: the weekday show “Mornings with Maria,” “Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street,” and FOX News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
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