Scott Pelley Says Bari Weiss Is ‘Murdering’ 60 Minutes Amid More CBS News Drama

CBS News has fired veteran correspondent Scott Pelley, ending his run at 60 Minutes effective immediately. According to a letter obtained by The New York Times, newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton said Pelley was “terminated for cause” on June 2, one day after Pelley publicly criticized CBS News leadership during a staff meeting and raised concerns about the future of the program.

The dispute centers on a tense internal meeting in which Pelley reportedly accused CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss of “murdering 60 Minutes.” In the letter, Bilton said Pelley “hijacked my first meeting with staff” and used the occasion to “disparage” him, his qualifications, and his intentions. Bilton described Pelley’s remarks as an “incivility and contempt” that showed he had no interest in helping the program move forward.

Pelley rejected that characterization after being removed from the network. He told The New York Times that Bilton’s letter reflects “a complete misunderstanding of what we work for and what we live for at 60 Minutes.” His response suggested that his comments were aimed at defending the legacy and journalistic standards of the long-running CBS newsmagazine, rather than attacking leadership for its own sake.

Bilton also sent a separate memo to staff at 60 Minutes informing them that Pelley was no longer with the network. In the memo, he acknowledged Pelley’s importance to many employees and said he had tried several times over the weekend to speak with him directly. Bilton added that he attempted to find “common ground” on the afternoon of the firing, but said that was not the path Pelley chose.

The ouster marks a major shake-up at one of television news’ most recognized institutions. 60 Minutes has long been considered a flagship of CBS News, known for its investigations, interviews, and high journalistic profile. Pelley, one of the most prominent faces of the program, had become closely associated with its tone and reputation over years on air.

The firing comes amid broader uncertainty about the future direction of CBS News and the status of 60 Minutes under new leadership. Pelley’s criticism, and the speed of his removal, underscore a deep internal conflict over the network’s editorial culture and management approach.

For staff and viewers alike, the decision signals a sharp break with one of the most familiar voices attached to the broadcast. It also raises questions about how CBS News intends to balance leadership changes, internal dissent, and the preservation of a program widely seen as central to the company’s identity.