ABC Staff 'Horrified' at David Muir's Fashion Choice During LA Wildfires: Report

ABC News anchor David Muir, who faced ridicule worldwide for attempting to look muscular while reporting on the Los Angeles wildfires, is drawing sharp criticism from network insiders who are appalled by what they call his "tone-dead vanity."

During a live segment on the California wildfires Wednesday, Muir was filmed using clothespins to tighten his faux fireman’s jacket, seemingly to appear more brawny.

This display of "cringeworthy narcissism" sparked widespread mockery across social media.

The backlash has extended to ABC News staff, with insiders voicing their disapproval.

One source remarked that the anchor was “trying to look ‘hot’ during a fire. … It’s outrageous,” they told Page Six.

“[Covering the fires] shouldn’t be about vanity. It should be about people losing their homes.”

Another insider expressed frustration with what they deemed an inappropriate display of self-absorption.

“His narcissism is quite large in the sense of this kind of thing. I like David, except for this part of him,” they said to Page Six.

“Anderson [Cooper], [Chris] Cuomo wear all the [muscle shirts], but they would never wear this [during a wildfire].”

A third source added, “It’s pathetic. All flexed muscles and posing. He’s actually ‘Zoolander’ meets ‘Anchorman.’ He forgets he is the face of ABC News, not Abercrombie & Fitch!”

Several ABC News staffers shared that they felt “embarrassed and horrified” by the incident.

While it’s common practice in television to use clothespins to adjust loose clothing for a polished look on-air, Muir’s decision to focus on appearing "svelte and jacked" during such a catastrophic event was widely deemed inappropriate.

Critics argue the move damages Muir’s credibility and casts journalism in a poor light, especially during an era when public trust in traditional media is at an all-time low.

In September, Muir drew ire for perceived bias during the presidential debate, where he persistently “fact-checked” then-President-elect Donald Trump while overlooking numerous inaccuracies from Vice President Kamala Harris.

Public skepticism toward corporate media has grown as they are increasingly accused of pushing partisan narratives and spreading disinformation.

Muir’s actions during the wildfire coverage add another blow to the struggling legacy media, which continues to grapple with waning public trust and growing criticism.