Scott Pelley terminated by CBS after criticism of '60 Minutes' leadership

CBS News has fired veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley following a public clash with the programme’s new leadership, deepening turmoil inside the American broadcaster.

CBS confirmed on Tuesday that Pelley had been dismissed “for cause” one day after he criticised executives during a staff meeting, according to reports from multiple US media outlets.

In a letter shared by CBS, newly appointed executive producer Nick Bilton wrote that Pelley’s “antipathy to the future of the show has come through loud and clear. And I have heard you.”

“Your employment with CBS is terminated for cause effective immediately,” he added.

The dispute reportedly erupted during a tense meeting on Monday, where Pelley questioned recent firings at 60 Minutes and sharply criticised CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss.

According to reports, Pelley accused Weiss of “murdering” 60 Minutes.

When Bilton defended her leadership, Pelley responded: “She does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it, and she’s been doing exactly that.”

The confrontation quickly leaked to outside media and sparked fresh scrutiny over changes inside CBS News.

Bilton later defended the decision in a message to staff, writing that Pelley had shown “remarkable incivility and contempt” during the meeting.