WRAP | CBS dismisses Debora Patta after controversial interview with US ambassador
CBS has cut ties with veteran journalist Debora Patta following backlash over an interview with US ambassador Mike Huckabee.
Controversial Interview Sparks Backlash
CBS has terminated its contract with seasoned South African journalist Debora Patta after a contentious interaction with US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.
Claims of Misrepresentation
After the interview, Huckabee claimed that Patta’s editing misrepresented his views on the situation in Gaza. He criticized CBS News for what he described as intentional manipulation of the segment.
Social Media Fallout
Huckabee took to X to express his concerns, questioning the media’s editing practices. He stated, “Ever wonder how the media edits an interview to give you a different story than the one they had?”
Full interview with C-BS
Quite different than what they aired!https://t.co/s2MX2zuD5d— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) August 9, 2025
Full Transcript Shared
As part of his rebuttal, Huckabee linked to the full transcript of the interview available on the US embassy’s website, pointing out critical omissions from the aired version.
Patta’s Contract and Legal Consultations
Reports from the New York Post indicated that Patta had recently signed a three-year contract with CBS, but allegations suggest she may not receive a complete payout. She is reportedly consulting with her lawyers about the situation.
Wider Implications at CBS
The publication detailed that CBS News President Tom Cibrowski was behind around 100 job cuts that included Patta’s departure, and it is believed these changes may be linked to new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, known for her pro-Israel stance.
Patta’s Long-standing Career
Debora Patta, 61, has been with CBS for over a decade and has served as a Senior Foreign Correspondent, making her dismissal notable within the industry.
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