Actor and director George Clooney publicly criticized Bari Weiss, the recently appointed head of CBS News, for her controversial tenure and decisions. Clooney’s remarks, made in late 2025, reflect his deep concern about how journalism informs the public, highlighting his loyalty to the country over his own industry. His commentary comes amid growing debates about media bias and the reliability of news outlets, placing the spotlight on CBS News’ internal conflicts and news practices.
Clooney’s Background in Journalism-Themed Roles Adds Weight to His Critique
Though not a journalist himself, Clooney’s career has included significant roles tied to journalism. He gained directorial acclaim with the 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck. In that movie, he portrayed Edward R. Murrow’s world while David Strathairn played the journalist. Two decades later, Clooney took on the role of Murrow in a Broadway adaptation, reinforcing his connection to the ideals of serious journalism. This history grants additional context to his recent public criticisms of actual news leadership.
Bari Weiss’ Controversial Tenure at CBS News Sparks Criticism
Weiss, founder of Free Press and a polarizing figure in media circles, notably halted a 60 Minutes segment critical of the Trump administration. The report under scrutiny did not provide the Trump team a chance to respond to the allegations, though officials had already offered on-the-record rebuttals. Weiss argued the story lacked new information, merely reiterating what other outlets had covered concerning immigration policies. This decision drew substantial backlash, including from Clooney, who lambasted Weiss’s impact on CBS News at length.
Bari Weiss is dismantling CBS News as we speak…am I worried about film studios? Sure. It’s my business, but my primary loyalty is to my country. I’m much more worried about how we inform ourselves and how we’re going to discern reality without a functioning press.
– George Clooney
A Broader Pattern of Media Failures Fuels Clooney’s Frustration
Clooney’s critique is situated within a larger context of questionable media conduct over recent years. For example, major news networks covered up or downplayed President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline during his term. CNN’s Jake Tapper later admitted to concealing these issues and misrepresenting critics. The actor did not address such concealments until Biden’s polling numbers fell, after which Clooney wrote a New York Times op-ed endorsing Biden’s resignation. These actions have led some observers to question the consistency and motives behind Clooney’s media criticisms.
I called Lara Trump and I said ‘you were right.’…
– Jake Tapper, CNN journalist
List of Media Hoaxes Highlights Growing Distrust in Journalism
John Nolte of Breitbart News compiled an extensive list of recent journalistic failures characterized as hoaxes, illustrating the erosion of trust in mainstream media. According to this list, numerous high-profile stories were debunked or misreported, including claims about political figures, social issues, and major events. These include false narratives about President Trump, the Gaza conflict, immigration, and COVID-19 origins, among others. The cumulative effect of these scandals contributes to public skepticism and amplifies criticism from figures like Clooney.
- Trump “Destroying” White House Hoax
- Photo of Starving Gaza Baby Hoax
- Israeli Troops Murdered Food-Seeking Palestinians Hoax
- Trump Tariffs Will Explode Prices Hoax
- Maryland Man Hoax
- Black Newborns Much More Likely to Die If Doc’s White Hoax
- Elon Musk Nazi Salute Hoax
- Trump Called for Liz Cheney to Be Executed Hoax
- Violent Crime Down Under Biden/Harris Hoax
- Arlington Cemetery Hoax
- Kamala Was Never America’s Border Czar Hoax
- Russia Collusion Hoax
- Hands Up, Don’t Shoot Hoax
- Jussie Smollett Hoax
- Covington KKKids Hoax
- Very Fine People Hoax
- Russian Bounties Hoax
- Trump Trashes Troops Hoax
- Policemen Killed at Mostly Peaceful January 6 Protest Hoax
- Rittenhouse Hoax
- Border Agents Whipping Illegals Hoax
- NASCAR Noose Hoax
- Georgia Jim Crow 2.0 Hoax
- Trump Assaulted Secret Service Agents and Grabbed Steering Wheel of Beast Hoax
- COVID Lab Leak Theory Is Racist Hoax
- Hunter Biden’s Laptop Is Russian Disinformation Hoax
- Joe Biden Will Never Ban Gas Stoves Hoax
- Mass Graves of Native Children in Canada Hoax
- Trump Told People to Drink Bleach Hoax
- Hamas Hospital Hoax
- If Reelected, Trump Will Execute People Hoax
Public Distrust of Traditional Media Continues to Increase
The accumulation of such journalistic missteps has severely damaged the credibility of legacy media outlets. Observers note that the public’s waning trust is a direct response to repeated falsehoods and biases, casting doubt on the integrity of important news sources. Clooney’s pointed criticism of Weiss reflects this frustration and distrust, which many feel is justified given the state of the press.
Weiss Challenges Clooney to Witness CBS News Operations Firsthand
In response to Clooney’s accusations, Bari Weiss extended an invitation for him to visit CBS News’ offices and see their work behind the scenes. Weiss emphasized her commitment to relaunching the Evening News and encouraged the public to tune in on January 5 for the updated program.
Bonjour, Mr. Clooney! Big fan of your work. It sounds like you’d like to learn more about ours,
– Bari Weiss
This is an open invitation to visit the CBS Broadcast Center, where I’m spending the holidays working to relaunch the Evening News with my colleagues. Tune in January 5.
– Bari Weiss
Future Developments and Implications for Journalism
The ongoing debate between Clooney and Weiss highlights broader tensions about media accountability, leadership, and objectivity. Given the public’s increasing wariness, how influential figures like Clooney engage with journalism can shape discourse and potentially impact trust in the news. Whether Clooney accepts Weiss’s invitation remains to be seen, but the conversation underscores the urgent need for transparent and accurate reporting in modern media.
#GeorgeClooney spoke up about #BariWeiss' short, turbulent run as the big boss at #CBSNews, saying that as much as he worries about the movie business, "My primary loyalty is to my country. I’m much more worried about how we inform ourselves and how we’re going to discern reality… pic.twitter.com/6IwrlHopMi
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) December 30, 2025
"I called Lara Trump and I said 'you were right.'…"@MegynKelly and @JakeTapper dive into Tapper's viral interview with Lara Trump, whether he was part of the cover-up of Biden's cognitive decline, and more.
LIVE on @SIRIUSXM ch. 111, everywhere after:https://t.co/YJPxz5Gu8d pic.twitter.com/GuO4Oq6feN
— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) May 20, 2025
