ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman faced widespread backlash and accusations of insensitivity during a live broadcast on ABC News Special Report.
The controversy stemmed from his on-air description of text messages exchanged between Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect charged with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and Robinson's transgender partner, Lance Twiggs. Gutman referred to the messages— which included Robinson's confession to the murder—as "very touching," "intimate," and "lovingly" worded, framing them as revealing an unexpected "duality" in the suspect's life.
Critics argued that this humanized an alleged murderer at the expense of the victim, Kirk, who was killed in front of his wife and children, and accused Gutman of prioritizing identity politics over journalistic objectivity.
@ABC is a disgrace. Their reporter calls msgs between a killer & his trans lover, discussing the murder of a civil rights icon, as "touching". Is this reporter retarded or just depraved? This is disgusting, on every single level. Damn, ABC. You are just gross. 🤮 https://t.co/Khv4mfuLhK
— Kari Hayes (@RakaRight) September 16, 2025
The backlash erupted almost immediately, with conservative commentators, politicians, and everyday users labeling Gutman's remarks as "disgusting," "creepy," and "unprofessional." Many pointed out the perceived double standard: while Kirk was portrayed as a polarizing figure in some media, Gutman's focus on the suspect's relationship—emphasizing its transgender aspect—seemed to romanticize a confession to murder.
No response from Gutman or ABC News had been issued by the end of the day, though calls for his firing intensified.