Saturday, January 28, 2023

GMA3 Anchors Sign Exit Agreements with ABC

Amy Robach and T J Holmes

ABC News confirmed Friday evening that “distractions” T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are officially out at the network following their scandalous affair.

Sources tell Page Six at The NY Post that the deal between the network and their “GMA3” anchors-turned-lovers had been “signed, executed and [was] done” by Friday afternoon.

An ABC News spokesperson later confirmed the news in a statement: “After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it’s best for everyone that they move on from ABC News.

“We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions.”

ABC News President Kim Godwin issued an all-staff email moments before sending the statement out wide, referring to Holmes and Robach’s highly publicized romance as “a distraction.”

“I want to share with you that we’ve reached a decision about T.J. and Amy,” she wrote in the memo.

“I know that this has been a distraction for so many of us, but let’s not forget all the great work that continues to make ABC News the #1 news network in America, and that’s because of you,” she continued.

“I want to thank you again for your patience and professionalism during this time.”

Holmes and Robach — whose entanglement allegedly began while they were training together for the March 2022 New York City Half Marathon — conducted mediation talks with ABC from Los Angeles, where they’ve been staying following a quick getaway to Turks and Caicos, reports The NY Times.

During the “extremely contentious” negotiations, the couple was was reportedly accused of “various forms of misconduct,” including that Robach, 49, once showed up to work “drunk” and alcohol was found in her dressing room.

Their departures end weeks of uncertainty inside ABC about what would become of the anchors, who were abruptly taken off the air in early December.

The departure of the anchors — who until recently had been considered rising stars with the potential to take over the network’s flagship show, “Good Morning America” — is another tough moment for ABC News. Last week, Cecilia Vega, the network’s chief White House correspondent, announced that she was leaving for a correspondent role at “60 Minutes” on CBS.

The on-air charisma between Holmes and Robach had been a staple of their early-afternoon talk show. But their careers were upended in late November when The Daily Mail reported that the anchors, both of whom were married, had been having an affair.

“GMA3,” a syndicated offshoot of “Good Morning America,” premiered in 2018. Ms. Robach, who had been with ABC News since 2012, and Mr. Holmes, there since 2014, teamed up as the show’s co-hosts in 2020.

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