Maria Bartiromo is weighing legal action against Fox News following her abrupt firing Thursday. The longtime host has reportedly hired attorney Bryan Freedman to explore her options.
What We Know: Bartiromo has hired Freedman, according to multiple reports, after Fox News ended her 12½-year run with the company. Freedman previously represented Tucker Carlson following his 2023 firing from Fox News. He also represented Don Lemon and Megyn Kelly after their departures from CNN and NBC News, respectively. The attorney has developed a reputation for representing high-profile media personalities in employment disputes. Meanwhile, Fox described Bartiromo’s exit as a “business decision” without providing additional details.
What’s At Stake: Bartiromo could contend that Fox News breached her employment contract by terminating her before its expiration. Reports indicate she signed a new three-year agreement with the company earlier this year. Any potential lawsuit could seek damages tied to the remaining value of that contract. However, Fox could argue that Bartiromo’s actions justified her dismissal under the agreement’s terms.
What Remains Unclear: Status’ Oliver Darcy reported that Bartiromo shared confidential Fox News coverage guidance with senior White House officials. The guidance reportedly instructed network employees to avoid amplifying President Donald Trump’s claims about the 2020 election. Neither Bartiromo nor Freedman has publicly detailed her legal strategy. Fox News also hasn’t publicly connected the reported disclosure to her termination.
What It Means: Freedman’s involvement signals that Bartiromo could challenge Fox News rather than quietly move on. Still, the attorney’s hiring doesn’t guarantee that she will file a lawsuit. For now, the dispute could become another high-profile legal battle involving a former Fox News star.
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