George Clooney has voiced strong criticism of CBS and ABC for their handling of lawsuits filed by Donald Trump. In a recent interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning actor stated that the United States would be in a better position if these networks had told Trump to “go f*** yourself” rather than opting for settlements. Clooney’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the state of American media and its ability to hold the powerful accountable.
The actor’s comments were particularly directed at Bari Weiss, who has been appointed to lead CBS News under Paramount chief David Ellison. Clooney expressed apprehension about Weiss’s influence, suggesting that she is actively “dismantling” the integrity of the network. “I’m worried about how we inform ourselves and how we’re going to discern reality without a functioning press,” he stated.
Clooney’s concerns reflect a broader narrative regarding the challenges faced by news organizations today. He related his experiences while portraying legendary CBS anchor Edward R. Murrow in the play and film “Good Night, and Good Luck.” Murrow famously stood up to Senator Joseph McCarthy during a time of political turbulence, a parallel Clooney feels resonates strongly today as Trump, now back in office, leverages legal action against the media.
Recent settlements have raised alarm among legal analysts and First Amendment advocates alike. For instance, ABC News settled a lawsuit with Trump for $15 million after anchor George Stephanopoulos incorrectly reported on-air that Trump had been found “liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll civil case. Although Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, the settlement has been criticized for potentially creating a “chilling effect” on journalistic integrity.
In a similar case, CBS News settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $16 million related to a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Legal experts labeled the complaint as “meritless,” yet Paramount’s leadership maintains that the settlement was unrelated to their ongoing $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which was approved shortly after the settlement.
Clooney’s frustration is palpable as he reflects on these developments. “If CBS and ABC had challenged those lawsuits and said, ‘Go f*** yourself,’ we wouldn’t be where we are in the country,” he told Variety. His remarks underline the broader implications of media responses in politically charged environments.
Further adding to his critique, Clooney questioned the direction CBS News is taking under Weiss’s leadership, particularly after she faced backlash for sidelining a 60 Minutes story about the Trump administration’s treatment of Venezuelan migrants. “Bari Weiss is dismantling CBS News as we speak,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a robust and independent press.
The actor also referenced a powerful statement by Murrow: “Let’s not confuse dissent with disloyalty.” This sentiment reflects Clooney’s belief that a free press is essential for democracy. He expressed concern over the current political climate, characterizing it as a “very trying time” for the nation and its media.
Despite his criticisms, Clooney shared a personal connection to Trump, recalling a time when they were friends. “I knew him very well,” he remarked, noting that Trump used to reach out to him for help with medical issues. This relationship has since soured, aligning with Clooney’s strong opposition to Trump’s policies and actions.
As the media landscape continues to evolve amid political pressures, Clooney’s insights highlight the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability. His call for CBS and ABC to stand firm against legal intimidation serves as a reminder of the critical role that a free press plays in safeguarding democracy.
