Full Breakdown
George Clooney Critiques CBS News Under Bari Weiss
12/30/2025, 10:10:40 PM
Clooney's Concerns Over Media Integrity
In a recent interview with *Variety*, actor George Clooney expressed significant concern regarding the direction of CBS News under the leadership of Bari Weiss, who was appointed editor-in-chief in October 2025. Clooney criticized Weiss for what he perceives as her dismantling of the network, stating, “Bari Weiss is dismantling CBS News as we speak.” He linked this transformation to a broader issue of media integrity, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's influence over news organizations.
Clooney's remarks come in light of CBS's recent decisions to settle lawsuits with Trump, which he argues have detrimental implications for the press. He stated, “If CBS and ABC had challenged those lawsuits and said, ‘Go f*** yourself,’ we wouldn’t be where we are in the country.” This sentiment reflects his belief that media outlets should resist political pressures rather than capitulate to them.
Background on CBS's Leadership Changes
Bari Weiss, known for her conservative viewpoints and as the founder of the *Free Press*, was brought in by David Ellison, the chairman of Paramount, which owns CBS. This leadership change followed a $16 million settlement between Paramount and Trump regarding a defamation lawsuit tied to a *60 Minutes* interview. Critics, including Clooney, suggest that the settlement was a strategic move to facilitate a merger with Ellison’s Skydance Media, which required approval from Trump's administration.
Clooney's concerns are compounded by the perception that CBS is shifting towards a more MAGA-friendly editorial stance. Weiss's recent decision to cancel a segment on the El Salvador megaprison, which involved deported Venezuelan men, has drawn scrutiny and further fueled Clooney's criticism.
Implications for American Journalism
Clooney's critique extends beyond CBS, addressing the broader implications for American journalism. He argues that the failure of major news organizations to stand firm against Trump’s lawsuits undermines the press's role as a check on power. He expressed worry about the future of media, stating, “I’m much more worried about how we inform ourselves and how we’re going to discern reality without a functioning press.”
He also reflected on the historical context of his Broadway role as Edward R. Murrow, emphasizing the importance of a robust press in holding power accountable. Clooney noted that the current political climate mirrors the pressures faced during McCarthyism, suggesting that the media's failure to challenge authority could have dire consequences for democracy.
Criticism & Opposition
While Clooney's views resonate with many in the media and entertainment sectors, there are dissenting opinions regarding the effectiveness of settlements in protecting journalistic integrity. Some legal analysts argue that the settlements may have been prudent given the potential risks of litigation. However, Clooney remains firm in his belief that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the future of journalism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bari Weiss is dismantling CBS News as we speak,” — George Clooney, Actor
- “If CBS and ABC had challenged those lawsuits and said, ‘Go f*** yourself,’ we wouldn’t be where we are in the country,” — George Clooney, Actor
- “Am I worried about film studios? Sure. It’s my business, but my primary loyalty is to my country. I’m much more worried about how we inform ourselves and how we’re going to discern reality without a functioning press.” — George Clooney, Actor
Clooney's comments highlight a growing concern among media professionals about the integrity of news organizations in the face of political pressures, particularly as Trump re-emerges as a significant figure in American politics.
