ABC Anchor Alleges Toxic Workplace Almost Cost Him His Life

Kendis Gibson, a former anchor for ABC News’ World News Now, has shared explosive allegations about enduring racism and a toxic work environment that he claims pushed him to attempt suicide. The revelations come from Gibson’s new memoir, where he details years of mistreatment and retaliation during his tenure at the network.

Speaking to Page Six, Gibson described his grueling schedule, often juggling overnight shifts while being expected to perform at peak levels during the day. Despite repeatedly asking to be reassigned due to the toll on his mental health, Gibson said his pleas were ignored. “It was just a lot, and the network was not listening to me at all,” he explained.

Gibson alleges that a senior executive made racially charged remarks toward him, including criticizing his choice of attire. “I wore jeans on air one day, and [the executive] called me afterward and said, ‘You’re doing television news now, not attending a rap concert. Don’t ever wear jeans again,’” Gibson recalled.

In another instance, he claims the same executive told him he was “worth less than toilet paper.”

Gibson’s efforts to promote diversity within ABC reportedly led to further backlash. After co-founding a Diversity Task Force aimed at increasing representation in senior roles, Gibson says his visibility on Good Morning America plummeted. He had appeared on the show 212 times in the two years before the task force’s first meeting with management; in the two years after, that number dropped to just eight.

“I was so naive,” Gibson admitted. “I didn’t think there was racism taking place. I had rose-colored glasses on and didn’t see all the indications.”

The combination of workplace stress and personal struggles left Gibson in a dark place. In October 2018, after returning home from a taxing overnight shift, he mixed Ambien with wine in a desperate attempt to end his life. A goodbye text to his partner was intercepted by a friend, who arrived in time to stop him from jumping out of his kitchen window.

“I would have gone through with it if the drugs and alcohol hadn’t kicked in and knocked me back onto the floor,” Gibson recounted.

Astonishingly, just hours later, Gibson returned to work.

As his contract neared its end, ABC offered Gibson a one-year extension with a $10,000 salary increase, which he declined. “It was network pittance,” he said, adding, “I didn’t think it was worth my time and health to sacrifice another year working that difficult schedule.”

Gibson later joined MSNBC and is now an anchor at New York’s PIX11 News. Reflecting on his current role, he said, “I’m in a different space. It’s the first time I’ve been anywhere where I’m not looking for the next job and I’m comfortable in my skin.”

ABC News has not responded to requests for comment.

Gibson’s story sheds light on ongoing conversations about workplace equity, mental health, and the challenges faced by minority journalists in high-pressure environments. His memoir adds to a growing list of accounts from media professionals demanding accountability and change in the industry.

This harrowing tale serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering supportive, inclusive workplaces that prioritize both talent and well-being.