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CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King faced scrutiny after posting a selfie with FOX News host Jesse Watters when the two happened to be seated next to each other on a cross-country flight Monday (October 20).
"Two TV people from competing networks walk on to a plane and to the surprise of them both, they’re seated right next to each other for over four hours. How did it go? Speaking for @jessewatters here: A good time was had by all! Hi, Jesse…saving your number!" King wrote in the photo.
While King attempted to acknowledge their apparent cordialness despite their networks' perceived differing values, several commenters were less enthusiastic about her post.
"I respect and love you, Gayle. Your seat mate, however, is harming our country….," former Ebony magazine editor-in-chief Amy DuBois Barnett wrote.
"Really Gayle… I’m sure he will talk on Fox later about how you’re a DEI hire. What world are you in lady? 🤦🏾♂️," another user wrote, acknowledging Watters' continued rallying against on diversity, equity and inclusion hirings on his Jesse Watters Primetime show.
"Rich people are so out of touch. That’s the only way to explain this," another user wrote.
King's post also coincided with speculation on CBS News' future following the decision to name The Free Press co-founder Bari Weiss as its new editor-in-chief upon Paramount Skydance's purchasing her online news and commentary outlet earlier this month. Weiss' new role as CBS News' editor-in-chief will "shape editorial priorities, champion core values across platforms, and lead innovation in how the organization reports and delivers the news," working alongside CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, with their partnership reflecting "Paramount's recognition that the future of CBS News as a dynamic, multi-platform newsroom requires unified editorial leadership across television, streaming, digital, audio, social media, and events," according to CBS News.
Many have speculated that Weiss' role could lead to potential shake-ups and layoffs, with King's annual contract -- reported to be between $13 million to $15 million -- set to expire in May. Additionally, Watters had previously confused King with Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts during an incident in 2019, later apologizing during his show by holding up a sign that stated, "I'm sorry Gayle + Robin."