ABC News icon Barbara Walters had a long-standing, volatile dynamic with fellow journalist Diane Sawyer, according to ex-colleagues and friends. The new documentary “Tell Me Everything” reveals the high-profile feud between the two women, which dates back to Sawyer’s arrival at ABC in 1989.
Sawyer joined ABC after leaving CBS and CBS’ rival show, 60 Minutes. Walters was unhappy about the hiring, reportedly feeling that it would create a direct challenge to her own success. The tension between them allegedly began when ABC News President Roone Arledge pitted them against each other, separating their edit rooms.
Victor Neufeld, a former executive producer at ABC News, described the situation as “either great management or diabolical.” Walters reportedly resented Sawyer’s youth and felt that she was being pushed aside. The dynamic between them became so intense that even fellow journalists like Connie Chung and trailblazing news anchor, Cynthia McFadden, recalled being caught in the middle.
McFadden also alleged that Walters attempted to sabotage one of Sawyer’s major interviews with Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn. However, Sawyer refused to back down and ultimately landed the interview with Hepburn.
In a surprising twist, McFadden revealed that Walters often referred to Sawyer as “the blonde goddess” – an ideal woman she could never compete with. The alleged feud highlights Walters’ insecurities about her own accomplishments and felt threatened by Sawyer’s rising success.
The documentary also sheds light on Walters’ invasive questioning of celebrities like the Kardashians and Lady Gaga, as well as her interview with Monica Lewinsky in 1999.
Source: https://ew.com/barbara-walters-resented-diane-sawyer-feud-11759985