Maria Bartiromo’s attorney is threatening legal action and flatly denying that Fox News fired her.
Bryan Freedman, a powerhouse entertainment attorney, called reports that Bartiromo was fired or no longer employed by Fox “absolutely and unequivocally false.” His pushback came after Fox News Media announced Thursday that Bartiromo was “no longer with” the company following more than 12 years at the network.
Freedman did not stop at a denial. He warned that he has the evidence to back it up.
“Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise,” Freedman told the Daily Mail. He added that those reporting her firing “exhibited a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth.”
Fox News Media told a different story. As originally reported, Axios confirmed through a Fox spokesperson that Bartiromo had been let go for business reasons. The company offered no public explanation beyond a brief press release Thursday morning.
We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 and a half years and wish her all the best on her next chapter,” a Fox spokesperson said in that statement.
Fox confirmed that the final episode of “Mornings with Maria” aired Thursday morning on Fox Business Network. Axios separately noted that Bartiromo had not appeared on air since August 9.
The network wasted no time reorganizing its lineup. The weekday show will be rebranded as “Mornings with Fox Business” and will feature a rotating group of anchors rather than a permanent host. Her weekly program, “Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street,” will also get a new name. It will become “FBN’s Wall Street,” with Cheryl Casone hosting the first edition under that banner, followed by rotating anchors.
Her Sunday program faces a similar transition. Former Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz will temporarily step in to host “Sunday Morning Futures” while Fox searches for a permanent replacement.
Freedman made clear that he views the public characterization of his client’s departure as a serious matter, not a routine personnel change. Whether the dispute stays out of court remains to be seen, but the attorney’s language left little doubt that legal action is on the table.
