Additional Coverage:
- Maria Bartiromo replacement makes awkward slip while cutting to commercial on day after shock departure (themirror.com)
Fox Business host Cheryl Casone made an on-air slip Friday, accidentally referring to the network’s newly renamed morning show by its former title, just a day after longtime anchor Maria Bartiromo’s sudden exit.
Casone, serving as the first rotating host of the rebranded Mornings with FOX Business, briefly forgot the change while transitioning to a commercial break. Approximately 90 minutes into the broadcast, she previewed upcoming segments by saying, “Breaking data on deck next hour.
You are watching Mornings with Maria-Fox Business.” She quickly corrected herself and wrapped up the segment with a simple, “We will be right back.”
The slip occurred less than 24 hours after Fox News Media announced Bartiromo’s departure following more than 12 years with the company. Casone had filled in for Bartiromo the previous day when the program still carried its original title, Mornings with Maria. Neither Casone nor the show addressed Bartiromo’s absence or exit during their appearances.
Fox confirmed that the morning program would officially adopt its new name starting Friday, with a rotating lineup of anchors taking over hosting duties. A Fox spokesperson expressed gratitude for Bartiromo’s contributions over the years and wished her well in her future endeavors.
Bartiromo had been off Fox’s airwaves for several weeks prior to the announcement, with her last appearance on Sunday Morning Futures airing August 9. Former Republican congressman Jason Chaffetz is slated to guest-host the program this Sunday as the network searches for a permanent replacement.
In addition, Bartiromo’s other show, Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street, has been renamed FBN’s Wall Street. Casone hosted the Friday edition, with other rotating anchors expected to follow.
Speculation about the circumstances of Bartiromo’s departure intensified Friday after her attorney, Bryan Freedman, strongly denied reports claiming she was fired. Freedman called such stories “absolutely and unequivocally false,” warning that evidence and witnesses would soon come forward to set the record straight.
Despite Freedman’s statement, Fox’s official announcement described Bartiromo as “no longer with FOX News Media,” and sources familiar with the decision indicated the departure was initiated by the network.
The situation remains fluid as both Fox Business and Bartiromo’s camp navigate the fallout from her unexpected exit.