Scott Pelley Criticizes CBS News’ Bari Weiss for Allegedly Misleading Staff About Firing
CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley, 68, has responded angrily after being fired from the network, accusing CBS executive Bari Weiss of misleading staff about the circumstances of his termination. According to Pelley, Weiss told employees during a June 3 conference call that the company had tried to “find a way back” with him before deciding to end his employment. Pelley rejected that version of events, saying no such effort was made during the June 2 meeting in which he said he was effectively dismissed.
Pelley said the meeting was attended by Weiss, new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton, CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and a human resources representative. He claimed the tone was hostile from the start, with “firing” allegedly mentioned within the first 15 seconds. He also said no CBS executive suggested any path to resolve the dispute, calling Weiss’ account “disingenuous.”
The dispute appears to stem from Pelley’s confrontation with Bilton during a June 1 meet-and-greet with the 60 Minutes team. Pelley reportedly told Bilton, “You will never be welcome here,” and criticized both Bilton and Weiss for lacking broadcast news experience. He also accused Weiss of damaging the network and said the changes she had made were “catastrophic.” Pelley further alleged that Weiss had “murdered 60 Minutes,” reflecting his deep frustration over the direction of the program.
In his statement, Pelley said he was upset that CBS News staff had been “misled” during the June 3 morning call. He argued that trust cannot be built through what he described as false statements, adding that such conduct shows contempt for journalism and the people who practice it.
CBS, however, presented a different account. In a termination letter sent by Bilton, the company said it had hoped the June 3 meeting would create a path forward, but that Pelley made clear he was not interested in one. Bilton wrote that Pelley’s behavior the previous day showed hostility toward the future of the show and concluded that Pelley’s employment was being ended “for cause” immediately.
The conflict comes after a major shake-up at CBS News, including what Pelley called the “Black Thursday” removal of several senior 60 Minutes figures on May 28. Those ousted included Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. Pelley said he questioned Weiss about why the entire senior staff had been removed, but claimed she refused to answer.
Pelley, who had been with CBS for 37 years and previously anchored CBS Evening News, said his firing was not the result of a genuine attempt at reconciliation, but of a decision already made by executives. The controversy has fueled internal tension at CBS News and raised new questions about leadership changes, newsroom trust and the future of 60 Minutes.
