ABC News anchor David Muir has faced criticism for what has been described as a “narcissistic” move during his on-the-scene reporting about the California wildfires. The host of “World News Tonight” was revealed to have a clothespin on the back of his fireproof jacket, seemingly to have it taper around his body for a better aesthetic appearance on camera.
Many have spoken out against Muir, asserting that the anchor’s apparent concern with his looks while the wildfires around him have completely devastated California residents is out of touch. Reportedly, insiders at ABC News are “embarrassed and horrified” by the gaffe that has sparked debate online. Those familiar with the matter noted that, while looks are always important for a news personality, prioritizing in a situation such as the California wildfires is in vain.
Page Six reported that an anonymous source said, “His narcissism is quite large in the sense of this kind of thing. I like David, except for this part of him. Anderson [Cooper], [Chris] Cuomo wear all the [muscle shirts], but they would never wear this [during a wildfire].” Suggesting the move from Muir is not surprising, they added, “Just look at [Muir’s] Instagram.”
Another insider criticized the “vanity” at play, while over a dozen have died and over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed as the wildfires have scorched nearly 40,000 acres. “[Covering the fires] shouldn’t be about vanity. It should be about people losing their homes.” Another source called out the irony at hand, stating, “trying to look ‘hot’ during a fire … It’s outrageous.”
However, a statement from ABC News explained that Muir is genuinely interested in focusing on the essential details when it comes to his reporting. “Here’s an anchor standing in the middle of horrific wildfires where people have lost everything. David is solely focused on the people who are suffering and the heroic efforts of the firefighters — and that’s what everyone should be focused on,” according to a spokesperson.
The incident garnered commentary from various users across social media as well. Conservative X commentator Paul A. Szypula wrote, “ABC’s David Muir, who moderated the one debate between Trump and Harris, is caught using clothespins on a fire jacket to make himself look more svelte on camera. Just in case your opinion of @DavidMuir wasn’t already low enough.”
Another person wrote, “People are literally dying and this man is focused on looking snatched. 🙄😮💨” Replying in agreement, Szypula wrote, “Exactly. What a complete disgrace. He has no respect for anyone.” Another, commenting on Muir’s disgraceful debate performance, said, “Moderating? I thought he was one of Trump’s opponents in that debate.”
Calling out the mismatched priorities, Rock n’ Roll legend Ozzy Osbourne’s son, Jack Osbourne, said in a post on X, “Nice Jacket Bro. Glad you look nice and svelte with those clothes line pegs, while our city burns to the ground.” Similarly, Mollie Hemingway said, “ABC News propagandist @DavidMuir was the one who got his “fact” “checks” wrong in the presidential debate. He reportedly is called “Zoolander” at his gym because of his vanity.”
Watch the incident below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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