Maria Bartiromo’s attorney is pushing back on reports surrounding the longtime anchor’s abrupt departure from Fox News, saying Friday that reports stating she was fired or is no longer a Fox employee are “absolutely and unequivocally false.”
“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,” attorney Bryan Freedman said in a statement provided to TheWrap. “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,” Freedman added.
The statement comes after Status first reported that Bartiromo’s exit followed her disclosure of internal Fox guidance to the Trump White House. Puck subsequently reported, citing multiple sources, that Bartiromo took a screenshot of guidance against pursuing a story involving China and 2020 election voting conspiracies and sent it to senior White House officials, which Fox leadership viewed as a fireable offense. Fox previously told TheWrap that Bartiromo’s departure “was a business decision.”
Freedman’s statement adds another wrinkle to the circumstances surrounding Bartiromo’s exit. In its announcement Thursday, Fox News Media said, “Effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with FOX News Media.” The network did not characterize her departure as a firing or provide a reason for the decision.
Fox immediately began reshaping its lineup following the announcement. “Mornings with Maria,” which aired its final episode Thursday, became “Mornings with FOX Business” on Friday with rotating anchors. “Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street” is being rebranded as “FBN’s Wall Street,” with Cheryl Casone hosting the first edition and rotating anchors thereafter. Jason Chaffetz will host Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” this weekend, with a permanent replacement to be announced later.
Bartiromo joined Fox Business in 2014 after two decades at CNBC and became one of Fox News Media’s most prominent business and political interviewers. Her role eventually expanded beyond financial news to include “Sunday Morning Futures,” where she frequently interviewed President Donald Trump and members of his administration.
Trump weighed in on Bartiromo’s departure Thursday night, writing on Truth Social that he “can’t believe” she would no longer have her Fox News and Fox Business shows. He called Bartiromo a “total professional” and a “true warrior,” adding that her fans “will not be happy.”