After Years of Success, What Really Lies Behind Norah O’Donnell’s Toxic Workplace Reputation?

Norah O’Donnell, the prominent anchor of CBS Evening News, is no stranger to the limelight. Over the course of her decades-long career, she has earned widespread acclaim for her work as a journalist, interviewing world leaders and covering major global events. But behind the polished on-air persona, O’Donnell has found herself at the center of a series of rumors and controversies regarding her behavior behind the scenes. Allegations of diva-like meltdowns, questionable treatment of staff, and feuds with colleagues have led some to question the true nature of her conduct at CBS.

The Toxic Reputation: From Meltdowns to Wardrobe Demands

In April 2025, O’Donnell was informed that her time on CBS Evening News was coming to an end. As part of the network’s strategy to consolidate operations to New York and Washington, D.C., O’Donnell’s show was canceled, and she was reportedly being moved into a new senior correspondent role. While the move was presented as part of CBS’s broader restructuring, a source from the network suggested that it wasn’t entirely about ratings or programming decisions—there were whispers about her behavior that had been troubling CBS for years.

According to reports, O’Donnell’s behavior behind the scenes has left many staff members feeling alienated and uncomfortable. One source described a “rampage” by O’Donnell over her bronzer during a broadcast, which reportedly took place while the world was still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are in the middle of a pandemic and people are dying,” the insider recalled, pointing out the disparity between her reaction and the global crisis at hand.

Other reports detailed how O’Donnell insisted on holding elaborate dress rehearsals before each broadcast, a request that deviates from the standard practices of most anchors. The costs associated with her wardrobe were also said to be staggering, reaching an annual total of $65,000, and this was just the beginning of the concerns. Staff members, some of whom had worked with O’Donnell for years, were said to have been deeply affected by her temper, with one insider adding that O’Donnell’s meltdowns often left staff members in tears.

A Rumored Feud with Gayle King

Beyond her backstage behavior, O’Donnell has been the subject of rumors regarding a potential feud with CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King. The supposed rivalry came to light after a series of organizational changes at CBS, including the appointment of a new president, Neeraj Khemlani. According to sources, both O’Donnell and King saw these changes as an opportunity to outmaneuver one another in a battle for dominance within the network.

An anonymous insider claimed that the two women “stabbed each other in the back” and vied for more power, with each hoping to ascend to the top of the CBS hierarchy. However, O’Donnell herself denied these claims during a 2019 interview, calling King her “work BFF” and praising her as someone who had helped make her a better journalist, person, and mother.

Despite O’Donnell’s denial, the rumors have persisted, fueled by the perception that CBS’s internal dynamics are increasingly unstable. If true, these tensions further complicate the picture of O’Donnell as someone whose professional demeanor may not align with her public persona.

The Hot Mic Incident: A Questionable Moment

O’Donnell’s reputation took another hit in 2019 when a hot mic incident occurred during a segment on CBS Evening News covering sexual harassment allegations against opera singer Placido Domingo. As the segment wrapped up, O’Donnell’s microphone reportedly picked up a muttered remark: “Sounds like somebody else here.” While it was unclear whom O’Donnell was referring to, some speculated that she was making a veiled reference to Charlie Rose, the former CBS This Morning host who was fired in 2017 over allegations of sexual misconduct.

If O’Donnell was indeed implying that Domingo’s defense was similar to Rose’s past behavior, it would only add fuel to the fire of her controversial workplace reputation. The incident, which was removed from the CBS website, raised questions about O’Donnell’s judgment and professionalism, particularly given her long association with Rose and CBS’s history of dealing with high-profile harassment cases, including the downfall of former CBS CEO Les Moonves.

O’Donnell’s Departure and What’s Next

After years of facing scrutiny, O’Donnell’s departure from CBS Evening News seems to have been a significant turning point in her career. While the official explanation was a corporate restructuring, many inside and outside the network believe that her behavior behind the scenes contributed to her exit. Sources close to the situation suggest that the cancellation of The Katie Phang Show—which occurred around the same time—was part of the same shift that saw O’Donnell’s role reduced within the network.

Despite the controversies, O’Donnell remains a highly respected figure in journalism, with multiple Emmys and Edward R. Murrow Awards to her name. Her departure from the nightly news desk opens the door for her to pursue other ventures, potentially in a different, less high-profile role. She is expected to take on a senior correspondent position, though the details of her future at CBS remain unclear.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Flux

Norah O’Donnell’s career is one marked by both immense success and equally significant controversy. The allegations of diva-like behavior, her supposed feuds with colleagues, and the infamous hot mic incident all contribute to a complex picture of a journalist whose public image is at odds with the behind-the-scenes reputation she has earned over the years.

As O’Donnell moves forward in her career, questions remain about how these incidents will shape her legacy. Will she be remembered for her journalistic achievements or for the toxic atmosphere reportedly created in the workplace? Only time will tell. However, O’Donnell’s departure from CBS Evening News serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor, both on and off the air, in an industry where public perception can make or break a career.

Her story also underscores a larger issue within the media industry: the often blurred line between personal behavior and professional success, and how those in the public eye must navigate the complex balance between maintaining a positive reputation and being true to themselves. The future of Norah O’Donnell’s career will likely be shaped by how she addresses these challenges and whether she can rebuild a legacy beyond the controversies that have defined the final years of her tenure at CBS.