Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes removed from ‘GMA3’ after report of their affair
According to a person familiar with the situation, on Monday morning, ABC News network president Kim Godwin informed colleagues that “GMA 3” co-hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will no longer be appearing on air after their love relationship became public knowledge.
I’m going to talk about something that has become an internal and an external distraction: The relationship between two of our colleagues, And so, I want to say that while that relationship is not a violation of company policy, I have really taken the last few days to think about and work through what I think is best for the ABC News organization. And so, for now, I am going to take Amy and TJ off the air, while we figure this out.” Godwin explained
Those kinds of choices, Godwin said, “are not easy, they are not knee jerk, but they are vital for the brand.” She reportedly demanded that employees “stop the whispering in the hallways” about it.
She stated, “We can’t operate with gossip, and speculation and rumours, We need to stay focused on the work.”
However, Godwin stressed that employees should inform human resources or a trusted manager if they have information they believe upper management should be aware of.
The decision was made after the Daily Mail revealed the two news anchors have been secretly dating for months and published images of them together last week.
Godwin announced that ABC News correspondents Gio Benitez and Stephanie Ramos will fill in as hosts for the 1 p.m. ET episode.
CNN was previously told by sources with knowledge of the situation that a network spokeswoman for ABC News was taken aback when the Daily Mail asked for comment on the rumoured relationship between Robach and Holmes and attempted to verify or refute the claim. The spokesman reached out to Holmes, who dismissed the tabloid’s claims.
The result was the spokesperson’s attempt to counter the publication’s findings. Despite this, the Daily Mail went on and published their bombshell article. According to those with knowledge of the situation, ABC executives were shocked upon seeing the photos published by the Daily Mail.
Robach and Holmes maintained their roles as hosts despite rumours of their connection. The statement made on Monday, however, gives the impression that the network is taking the matter seriously.