News anchor Maria Bartiromo fired back at Fox News, disputing the company’s statement that it terminated her employment.
The network had issued a press release on Thursday, announcing Bartiromo’s firing, saying “effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with Fox News Media,” and thanking her for the over 12 years she has worked at the company. The news was abrupt and surprised much of the media industry, as the company included little details about the situation in its statement.
“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,” Bartiromo’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement on Friday. “Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise.”
Bartiromo reportedly hired Freedman, the same attorney who represented big names in media like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Don Lemon, to represent her. The Washington Examiner has reached out to Freedman for comment.
“Those reporting her firing or the incredulous facts supporting that fiction have exhibited a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth,” Freedman said in the Friday statement.
The media lawyer said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter that Bartiromo is “still employed by Fox.”
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Fox News for comment on Freedman’s assertion.
Bartiromo initially joined Fox Business in 2013. She hosted three network shows, including Mornings with Maria and Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News and Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street on Fox Business.
TRUMP SAYS MARIA BARTIROMO’S FANS ‘WILL NOT BE HAPPY’ WITH FOX NEWS EXIT
President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social Thursday evening, reacting to the news.
“I can’t believe Maria Bartiromo is no longer going to have her great show(s) on FoxNews/Business,” Trump said. “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!”