Backlash Over Broadcast
ABC Reporter Apologizes For Calling Charlie Kirk's Murder Suspect’s Texts “Very Touching”
ABC’s Matt Gutman walked back remarks after describing messages linked to Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer as “very touching,” sparking outrage during coverage of the Utah press conference.
ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman issued an apology Wednesday after drawing sharp criticism for characterizing text messages tied to Charlie Kirk’s accused murderer as “very touching.”
The comments came during ABC’s broadcast of a Sept. 17 press conference, where Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray outlined evidence against Tyler Robinson, assassinating conservative commentator Kirk during a lecture at Utah Valley University on Sept 10.
Gutman described the texts, allegedly exchanged between Robinson and his boyfriend, as offering “a very intimate portrait” of the relationship, noting Robinson repeatedly used terms like “my love.”
His framing was widely condemned as insensitive, given the brutality of Kirk’s killing in front of witnesses, including children.
Hours later, Gutman clarified his remarks on X, saying he had intended to highlight the contrast between the crime and the personal messages: “I deeply regret that my words did not make that clear… I unequivocally condemn this horrific crime and the pain it caused Charlie Kirk’s family, those at UVU, and the millions he inspired.”
ABC has not issued an official statement in response to the controversy.