Sage Steele, a former ESPN star, has made shocking claims that she was physically assaulted by the late, great journalist Barbara Walters during a heated exchange back in 2014. Now fifty, Steele disclosed the startling episode on Megyn Kelly’s podcast, emphasizing an upsetting fight that apparently took place on the popular talk program “The View” greenroom. The information raises concerns about how women are treated in the media industry and complicates Steele’s exit from ESPN.
The Unsettling Story
Steele claims that the alleged assault happened following a segment on “The View,” during which there was already a high level of tension. Walters and co-host Whoopi Goldberg, according to Steele, were in the greenroom when it happened. Steele related how Walters shoved him against a trash can and a wall. After the physical altercation, she expressed her shock and said, “What did [she] just do to me? This woman, who is 140 years old, attempted to tackle me.”
After the alleged attack, Steele said that Whoopi Goldberg came to her help and gave support. In addition, Steele said that several employees and producers in the room saw the event. Barbara Walters, who was renowned for her innovative journalism career spanning several decades, is somewhat marred by this occurrence.
Previous Conflict and Accusations
The accusations made by Steele are not the first time she and Barbara Walters have disagreed. Steele claimed in a prior episode of the podcast “Uncut with Jay Cutler” that Walters had disapproved of her for identifying as a multiracial woman, citing Barack Obama’s assertion that he is Black even if he is not. The reported physical altercation and these earlier conflicts create a complicated picture of the dynamics in the media industry and the ties between well-known people.
Consequences and Aftereffects
It’s important to observe how soon Steele made his accusations against Walters. After 16 years of employment, Steele recently left ESPN and settled her case against the company, claiming she was sidelined because of remarks she made on a podcast. Steele had filed a lawsuit against Disney, the firm that owns ESPN, alleging that her role had been diminished. ESPN says that Steele’s exit was a mutual decision, notwithstanding these claims and the settlement that followed.
The accusations made by Steele against a reputable person such as Barbara Walters bring to light the power dynamics and obstacles that women in the media still have to overcome. The incident calls into question accountability, workplace behavior, and the experiences of women who work in demanding, public settings.