Former ABC News anchor Kendis Gibson claimed on October 12, 2018, that the studio's toxic work environment contributed to her suicide attempt.
Mr Gibson claimed that racism, hazing and bullying on the network had had a significant impact on his mental health. Page 6. He recalls his experiences in his new memoir, “Five Trips: A Research Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing, and Saving Lives.'' The former anchor claimed he had been using illegal drugs for nearly five years as a way to deal with mental health issues. According to Page Six, he claimed that he suffered from depression, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, which were made worse by what he endured while working at ABC.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 18: Kendis Gibson, Animal Haven board member and gala host, speaks on stage at Animal Haven Gala 2022 at Tribeca 360 in New York City on May 18, 2022. I will. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Animal Haven)
According to Page Six, Gibson talked about his strong start at ABC News in 2014, saying he had strong working relationships with Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan and George Stephanopoulos. But off-air, he claimed that an anonymous black correspondent had warned him that racism was a deep-seated problem.
“What I got from them was that this was referring to veiled racism, and that there was some truth behind it,” Gibson said. he told the magazine.
He went on to say that when he took over the overnight World News Now anchor desk from TJ Holmes, the challenges of long hours began to take effect, adding to his worries.
Gibson said the position is notorious for being a revolving door of anchors who depart for various circumstances, including health issues.
Kendis Gibson wearing Tommy Hilfiger in the Tommy Hilfiger Suite at The Shore Club – Day 1 at the Shore Club in Miami, Florida. (Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for Tommy Hilfiger) Getty Images
“There were 19 co-anchors during my time there,” Gibson told Page Six.
Gibson admitted that “an underlying depression was already present” when he began working in the post.
According to Page Six, he said things had become increasingly difficult in his last two years, and despite admitting the role was taking a toll on his mental health, his bosses demanded a reassignment. He claimed to have ignored it.
“If you're not using GMA, you can't make money,” he says.
Mr. Gibson claimed that he began using Ambien to deal with insomnia and anxiety. He said he wore jeans on air and his boss said, “You're doing TV news now, and you're not going to be at a rap concert. You're doing TV news now. You're not at a rap concert.'' Never wear jeans again,” says Page Six.
“I was very naive…I had rose-colored glasses on. I didn't see racism going on. I didn't see all the signs,” according to Page Six. he insisted.
Mr Gibson claims the situation was made worse by his efforts to help set up a Diversity Task Force to encourage more black employees to reach senior positions, and that the department at the time was involved in Mr Gibson's He claimed to have cut back on his appearances on “Morning America.” He claimed the network aired exclusive programming that he had pitched. Gibson said this included rare behind-the-scenes access with F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, Colombian singer Maluma, and an interview with Ricky Martin.
He said that by the time he got home from an overnight session on October 12, 2018, he had drunk two glasses of Chardonnay and two Ambiens and cried himself to sleep. He recalled waking up hours later and deciding to end his life. He said he sent a goodbye message to his partner and headed to the kitchen window, preparing to jump out, according to Page Six.
The former ABC news anchor recalled feeling numb and falling backwards onto the kitchen floor. He said he woke up to find his friend Mike Woods on top of him and that the man had been warned by his partner. He and other friends, including colleague Diane Macedo, reportedly rallied to support Gibson. (Related article: Former Miss USA winner Noelia Vogt, who recently resigned, reveals why she gave back the title)
He switched networks to MSNBC, but said he had to negotiate with his former employer and had to face many difficult moments in the process. He left MSNBC in 2022 for what he described as “bipartisan” news.
Gibson has sought therapy and continues to work to maintain a positive mental space.
