ABC has had enough of swirling speculation about a feud between two of its biggest stars, David Muir and George Stephanopoulos.
The network hit back at online speculation that George, 64, is bitter about his colleague David, 51, being named one of Time100’s “Most Influential People of 2025.” Speaking to the Daily Mail, an ABC rep fumed, “This is a tired narrative.”
They went on to insist that “everyone at ABC News is proud of David’s recognition,” further shutting down allegations of a feud. It comes as Time magazine honored David on Wednesday, with Diane Sawyer penning a gushing tribute to the World News Tonight host.
“I am lucky that my successor is also the irreverent friend I want to hang out with when the camera shuts down,” Diane, 79, penned.
ABC has clapped back at rumors that David and George are feuding
She continued, by quipping: “Though I am also miffed that he’s the guy who can leap two flights of stairs, vault into the anchor chair, and never lose focus – or his breath.
“He’s the anchor chosen for interviews by Popes and Presidents. He shows up calm, respectful, and fearless. Like [Peter] before him, David is authoritative and dynamic – the first out the door to the story,” Diane went on.
“[David] anchors the nation’s most-watched television news program. Every night more than 8million Americans trust him to make sense of the day. Iraq’s hunt for ISIS. Hurricanes, fires. ‘He traveled [to them all],” her tribute concluded.
David took over Diane’s anchor chair and managing editor reins when she departed World News Tonight in 2014, over a decade ago.
George also took the time to congratulate David on his Time 100 achievement on Wednesday when his Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts chanted, “David Muir! Our own David Muir!”
He added: “Congratulations to David and all the nominees.”
David Muir was named as one of Time 100’s most influential people
George congratulated David on his achievement during Wednesday’s Good Morning America
The ABC heavyweights have been at the centre of feud rumors since Diane’s exit in 2014, with the former being named ABC News’ chief anchor at the time.
Several outlets reported that the issue surrounded who would be the network’s chief anchor. As former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy told the outlet last month: “There’s a reason that [George] does not play a role in the larger ABC news political coverage anymore.”
The network then named David its “lead” anchor for all major political events, and the veteran journalist was also put in charge of handling the network’s breaking news coverage.
Aside from his top spot at GMA, George also anchors ABC News’ Sunday public affairs show This Week, after also being given a production company as part of a partnership with ABC News and Hulu.
Oliver hinted that such animosity – if any – has since subsided, stating George still has “his own real estate” in the network. He was the lead man for a while and now it’s [David].”
