Amy Robach rips into ABC News’ David Muir over on-air clothespin controversy: ‘A slap in the face’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Amy Robach, former ABC News anchor, weighed in on the backlash surrounding David Muir’s recent on-air “clothespin controversy” during the January 10 episode of her 'Amy & TJ' podcast.

Co-hosted with her beau and fellow journalist TJ Holmes, the podcast addressed the incident on January 8, Wednesday, where Muir attempted to alter the fit of his flame-retardant yellow jacket using wooden clothespins during the coverage of the Pacific Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles, reported Newsweek.

Amy Robach criticizes David Muir’s ‘clothespin incident’ during LA fire coverage

"When you have a massive tragedy unfolding behind you with flames, people's homes, belongings lives being lost, to be concerned about how you look seems like a slap in the face to the people dealing with the worst possible situation," Amy Robach, 51, remarked. 

She acknowledged the public frustration, stating, "I understand the anger and the fact that they're hurling it at him because by seeing that clothespin, it looks like his focus was on himself instead of on the story he was covering."

Holmes supported Robach's criticism, remarking, "You see this guy on TV discredited. There's no question it leaves a bad taste (in) the mouth of somebody who is going through what they're going through in LA."

Despite this, Robach and Holmes admitted that the criticism Muir was facing should be toned down. "You don't even know what's happening to you, and someone could've made the decision of, 'Let me do this with the jacket'. We don't know," said Robach while highlighting the immense pressure journalists face in live reporting situations.

"But just a little context, the guy works his butt off. You don't like what he did, fine. It's just a lot to be piling on," Holmes said. 

Robach agreed with her co-host, saying, "I don't think he deserves the hate he's getting. I don't think that is fair or appropriate in any way and especially from people who've never had to be on television every day where your image, your looks are constantly being critiqued or acknowledged so you might have a hyper-awareness about that."

Muir reappeared on air on Thursday, January 9, with his flame-resistant jacket noticeably unfastened and fitting more loosely. Later footage revealed the seasoned journalist completely without the jacket.

David Muir slammed for 'narcissism' during LA fire coverage

As devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, ABC News anchor David Muir found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. During the January 8 broadcast of 'World News Tonight', Muir reported live from a fire-ravaged neighborhood, donning a bright yellow, ABC-branded flame-retardant jacket.

However, viewers were quick to notice an unusual detail, clothespins cinching the back of the oversized jacket to create a more tailored appearance. The wardrobe mishap sparked criticism online, with some accusing the anchor of prioritizing his appearance over the gravity of the situation.

According to Page Six, network insiders were reportedly "embarrassed and horrified" by the incident. One source described the moment as reflective of Muir’s "narcissism," adding, "I like David, except for this part of him."

ABC swiftly responded to the backlash, defending Muir’s professionalism and focus. "Here’s an anchor standing in the middle of horrific wildfires where people have lost everything," a network spokesperson said in a statement.

"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," the statement added.