Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Former Producer Asks Court to Remove Matt Gutman From Wrongful-Termination Lawsuit
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Key Points
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Said’s original complaint also named David Herndon, a former ABC Los Angeles bureau chief, as a defendant alongside ABC, Disney and Gutman.
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Said is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees, in the lawsuit.
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The lawsuit alleges ABC failed to provide reasonable accommodations under California law for Said’s mental-health condition.
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Gutman was hired by CBS News chief Bari Weiss shortly after she took over in October 2025 and recently filled in as anchor of the CBS Evening News.
Former ABC News field producer Samira Said has asked a Los Angeles court to remove CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman from her wrongful-termination lawsuit. Yahoo News reports that Said's case alleges Gutman and other crew members made sexualized and demeaning comments about female colleagues. ABC and Disney remain named defendants in the lawsuit.
Said claims she was fired in 2025 after requesting mental-health accommodations. Her lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, plus attorneys' fees. She alleges discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by her former employer.
What the Lawsuit Alleges Against ABC
Said's original complaint named multiple defendants: Gutman, former ABC Los Angeles bureau chief David Herndon, ABC News, and parent company Disney. Yahoo News reports the allegations include sexualized comments and demeaning remarks that stereotyped Said's professional judgment. The lawsuit also claims crew members rated a female correspondent's appearance.
Beyond individual conduct, Said alleges ABC failed to provide reasonable mental-health accommodations under California law. The company allegedly retaliated against her for seeking these accommodations before terminating her employment.
Gutman's Move to CBS and Removal from Case
Gutman joined CBS News as chief correspondent shortly after Bari Weiss took over in October 2025, People Magazine reports. He recently served as anchor of the CBS Evening News. Both Gutman and CBS have declined to comment on the lawsuit or Said's motion to remove him.
The court has not yet ruled publicly on Said's removal request. Even if Gutman is dropped from the case, ABC and Disney face continued liability. Said's claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, and failure to accommodate extend beyond any single employee's remarks.
Why Employers Remain Vulnerable in These Cases
When employees request accommodations or file complaints, how companies respond becomes legally crucial. Said's lawsuit ties together informal workplace conversations, power dynamics, and termination timing. Courts examine whether companies investigated complaints or documented their decisions fairly.
Media organizations face particular scrutiny because workplace culture directly affects hiring, assignments, and advancement. A lawsuit like this one signals that companies need clear policies—not just for complaints, but for leave requests, accommodations, and termination decisions that might appear retaliatory.
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