Matt Gutman dropped from harassment suit as former ABC producer targets Disney

Key points

• Lawyers for Samira Said filed a request in Los Angeles Superior Court on September 4, 2026, to drop Matt Gutman from her lawsuit.
• The original suit, filed on August 14, 2026, alleged Gutman made sexualized comments about Said during two separate assignments while they worked together at ABC News.
• Gutman, who joined CBS News in January 2026 after 17 years at ABC, was not named in the updated filing; ABC and Disney remain defendants.
• Said’s legal team did not provide a reason for dropping Gutman, though they also requested to drop former ABC Los Angeles bureau chief David Herndon.
• The lawsuit continues to focus on Said’s wrongful termination in March 2025 and ABC’s alleged violation of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act regarding her medical leave.

Background

In August 2026, our archive reported that Gutman was named in a harassment suit alongside ABC and Disney. At that time, Gutman had recently become a high-profile hire for CBS News under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The initial coverage highlighted that Gutman had previously faced controversies at ABC, including a suspension for erroneous reporting regarding the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash and criticism for comments regarding the Charlie Kirk assassination plot.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources confirm the procedural move to drop Gutman from the lawsuit, noting that no reason was provided in the court filing. The California Post and Deadline emphasize the 'dramatic twist' of the situation, highlighting that Gutman is now 'almost in the clear' regarding the harassment allegations. The Los Angeles Times and USA TODAY focus more on the remaining corporate defendants, noting that ABC and Disney are still being sued for wrongful termination and failure to accommodate Said’s mental health issues. USA TODAY provides additional detail on the specific incidents alleged, including the 'sexualized insinuation' at a film press day, while Deadline notes that Said is also seeking to drop former bureau chief David Herndon from the complaint.

Why it matters

This development reduces the direct legal exposure for a prominent CBS News figure, allowing him to continue his role as a chief correspondent without the immediate threat of a harassment lawsuit. However, the case against ABC and Disney remains active, potentially exposing the parent company to liability for employment practices regarding mental health accommodations and wrongful termination.

What to watch

The case will proceed in Los Angeles Superior Court with ABC News and The Walt Disney Co. as the remaining defendants. Said is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees. The outcome will depend on the court's review of the evidence regarding her medical leave and the circumstances of her 2025 termination.