Maria Bartiromo's lawyer goes to war over Fox firing reports: 'We have the receipts'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Maria Bartiromo's attorney Bryan Freedman, on Friday, September 4, sharply disputed reports that the Fox News host was fired, saying claims that she was dismissed or is no longer an employee of Fox are “absolutely and unequivocally false.”

Freedman said Bartiromo’s legal team has evidence and witnesses that could emerge publicly, escalating the dispute just a day after Fox News announced that the longtime news anchor had parted ways with its networks.

Maria Bartiromo's attorney challenges firing reports

Freedman, who represents Bartiromo, highlighted her record at Fox while pushing back against reports surrounding her departure.

“For many years, Maria Bartiromo hosted three number-one-rated television shows on Fox channels. She has been, without question, one of the hardest-working journalists throughout her award-winning career,” Freedman said.

He then directly addressed reports describing Bartiromo as having been fired.

“The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false,” Freedman said.

The attorney also issued a pointed warning about what could follow.

“Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses, and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise,” he said.

Freedman accused those reporting that Bartiromo had been fired, as well as those advancing claims about the circumstances, of showing “a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth.”

Meanwhile, Fox News also responded to reports on Friday by pointing back to its earlier announcement. 

The company said its brief statement from Thursday “speaks for itself.”

That leaves the circumstances surrounding the split disputed, with Bartiromo’s attorney publicly rejecting reports that she was terminated.

Multiple explanations emerge for Maria Bartiromo's departure

The statement came after Fox News Media announced on Thursday that Bartiromo had left its networks following more than 12 years with the company.

“We thank Maria for her work over the last 12.5 years and wish her all the best on her next chapter,” Fox News said in its announcement.

The network did not give a reason for the departure.

Several media reports have offered different explanations for Bartiromo’s departure, including claims that disagreements with Fox or alleged violations of company policy played a role.

Those accounts have not been established publicly by Fox News, and the network has not provided an explanation beyond announcing that Bartiromo had parted ways with the network.

Some reports have also pointed to disagreements over the direction of her programs and other internal issues.

Other accounts have focused on alleged communications involving the Trump administration.