Image Source: Los Angeles Times
The phrase matt gutman abc lawsuit dismissed does not accurately describe the latest court development. Matt Gutman’s name is being removed from a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former ABC News field producer Samira Said, but the broader case against ABC and The Walt Disney Co. is continuing.
Said’s attorneys filed a request Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court asking that Gutman be dropped as a defendant. The filing follows allegations that Gutman made inappropriate sexual comments while he and Said worked together at ABC News.
Matt Gutman ABC lawsuit dismissed? What the court filing actually says
The legal request removes Gutman from the lawsuit, but it does not dismiss the entire case. ABC and Disney remain defendants, and allegations involving former ABC News Los Angeles Bureau Chief Dave Herndon also remain part of the litigation.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Said’s lawyers did not immediately explain why they sought to remove Gutman’s name. The request therefore changes the list of defendants without resolving the underlying dispute or determining whether any allegations are true.
Gutman declined to comment through a CBS News representative. Said’s legal team also did not respond to an email seeking an explanation for the change.
Explosive allegations remain against ABC and Disney
Said filed the wrongful termination lawsuit Aug. 14. According to the complaint, she worked as an ABC News field producer for four years and was dismissed in 2025 after experiencing mental health issues.
The lawsuit accuses ABC and Disney of violating California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act by failing to provide reasonable workplace accommodations. Said is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees.
The complaint also described two incidents involving Gutman. Said claimed his alleged comments contributed to what she characterized as a hostile work environment. Those claims remain allegations and have not been established in court.
- Gutman is no longer listed as a defendant under Said’s latest request.
- ABC and The Walt Disney Co. remain involved in the lawsuit.
- Claims concerning former bureau chief Dave Herndon remain standing.
- Said continues to pursue damages tied to alleged wrongful termination and workplace accommodation issues.
Why Matt Gutman’s legal status matters at CBS
The development comes as Gutman has taken on a higher-profile role at CBS News. Gutman, 48, recently filled in as anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” where he reportedly drew higher ratings than regular anchor Tony Dokoupil during the temporary assignment.
He was the first major talent hired by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, who took charge of the division in October. Gutman spent 17 years at ABC News and was primarily based in Los Angeles, where he covered major national and international stories.
His move to CBS had already attracted attention because of the network’s efforts to reshape its news operation. The lawsuit added another layer of scrutiny, particularly because the allegations concerned conduct during his time at ABC.
A narrower case, but no final resolution
Removing Gutman from the lawsuit could narrow the legal dispute, but it does not amount to a finding that the allegations were proven false or that the case has ended. It also does not eliminate the claims made against ABC, Disney or Herndon.
For readers searching for whether the Matt Gutman ABC lawsuit was dismissed, the key distinction is important: Gutman’s name is being dropped, while the wrongful termination action continues. The court will still have to address the remaining claims and any responses filed by the defendants.
The latest filing may also affect how the case proceeds publicly. Without an explanation from Said’s attorneys, it remains unclear whether the change reflects a strategic decision, a settlement-related issue or another legal consideration.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Matt Gutman ABC lawsuit dismissed?
No. Gutman’s name is being removed from the lawsuit, but the broader wrongful termination case against ABC and The Walt Disney Co. continues.
Who filed the lawsuit?
Former ABC News field producer Samira Said filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Aug. 14.
What allegations did Said make?
Said alleged that Gutman made inappropriate sexual comments during two workplace incidents. She also accused ABC and Disney of wrongful termination and failing to provide workplace accommodations related to her mental health.
Is Matt Gutman still a defendant?
Said’s lawyers asked the court to drop Gutman as a defendant. The latest report does not indicate that the court has issued a final ruling on the request.
What happens next?
The case is expected to continue against ABC and Disney, while allegations involving former ABC News Los Angeles Bureau Chief Dave Herndon remain part of the proceedings.
