Scott Pelley Fired by CBS After Clash With New 60 Minutes Executive Producer

Veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley has been fired by CBS, according to a termination letter signed by the show’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton.

The letter accused Pelley of “hostility,” “misconduct,” and undermining leadership during a recent staff meeting. Bilton said Pelley publicly criticized him and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, creating disruption instead of supporting the program’s future.

Reports from The New York Times and The Guardian said the clash occurred during a tense meeting in which Pelley questioned Weiss’ leadership and Bilton’s qualifications.

After his dismissal, Pelley defended his record, highlighting decades of reporting from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine. He also criticized CBS leadership, saying the network’s values and the identity of 60 Minutes had changed significantly.

Bilton was recently appointed executive producer as part of a broader leadership shake-up at CBS News.