CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman named in former ABC producer's lawsuit alleging harassment and wrongful termination

A former ABC News field producer has sued the network, alleging wrongful termination after requesting medical leave and accommodations. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, also accuses CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman of making sexualized remarks that created a hostile work environment.

Samira Said, who worked in ABC’s Los Angeles bureau from May 2021 to March 2025, says she was placed on a male-only team that included Gutman. She alleges that Gutman initiated a discussion rating a female correspondent’s appearance and that the male crew continued the commentary in her presence, attempting to draw her into the conversation, which she declined.

The lawsuit further claims that during a press event, Gutman suggested Said had an after-hours date, implying that was the reason she did not want to relocate, a remark made publicly to coworkers. Said also reports severe psychological symptoms after covering the 2022 Uvalde school shooting while still experiencing COVID-19 effects, leading to a medical leave from August 2022 to January 2023.

According to the complaint, ABC denied her accommodation requests and pressured her to return without restrictions. Said says she was demoted to weekend desk shifts in March 2023 and terminated on March 5, 2025, shortly after sustaining a foot injury while covering hazardous weather. The suit seeks monetary damages and cites claims of gender, ancestry and disability discrimination, hostile work environment harassment, retaliation, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, breach of oral contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Variety reported that representatives for Gutman, ABC and CBS have been contacted for comment but have not responded.