ABC News 'Embarrassed & Horrified' By Anchor's 'Narcissism' During Coverage Of LA Fires

There are all kinds of stories coming out about the LA fires. The beauty of humanity as civilians and celebs alike lend their neighbors a helping hand. The dark allegations of arsonists taking advantage of the natural wildfires to do damage that benefits them.

But the most embarrassing has to be the spotlight on ABC News reporter David Muir‘s sartorial misstep.

The ABC World News Tonight anchor came to Los Angeles to report on the devastating blazes personally. And for one segment in which he gave updates on the destruction, he turned to look at an ash-covered ruin and exposed his little wardrobe trick. The reason his fire jacket looked so form-fitting is because he had pinned the back together, pulling it taut around his well-formed biceps and pecs.

Related: Stars Who Lost Their Homes In The LA Fires

Jack Osbourne called Muir out on X (Twitter), leading to the newsman being pilloried mercilessly as a “pathetic” “narcissist”:

“Nice Jacket Bro. Glad you look nice and svelte with those clothes line pegs, while our city burns to the ground.”

Nice Jacket Bro. Glad you look nice and svelte with those clothes line pegs, while our city burns to the ground. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/bGQ3zvF6lr

— Jack Osbourne (@JackOsbourne) January 9, 2025

He had his defenders, including folks who suggested it was about keeping the jacket from flapping around in the winds. But the Santa Ana didn’t really seem in full effect at that moment, so… We don’t know if we buy that. Not to mention he didn’t have to pin it in a way that perfectly showed off his sculpted bod.

The criticism was so widespread that ABC released a statement. A spokesperson told Page Six:

“Here’s an anchor standing in the middle of horrific wildfires where people have lost everything. David is solely focused on the people who are suffering and the heroic efforts of the firefighters — and that’s what everyone should be focused on.”

They’re defending him publicly, which is nice. However, the outlet says multiple sources tell them higher-ups at the network are “embarrassed and horrified.”

Their insiders say this is kind of a thing with him. One compared him to Anderson Cooper and Chris Cuomo, who also pride themselves on being dreamboats — but they think he’s worse:

“His narcissism is quite large in the sense of this kind of thing. I like David, except for this part of him. Anderson, Cuomo wear all the [muscle shirts], but they would never wear this [during a wildfire].”

A second insider pointed out the irony of “trying to look ‘hot’ during a fire.” A third was more sober in their criticism:

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

Another source said of the vanity of the fire jacket tactic:

“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!”

All the insiders pointed to his Instagram as evidence he’s always like this. We did take a look at Muir’s feed — and they’re not wrong about the “tight black T-shirt” thing:

What better place than a war zone to show off the guns, right?

A little digging also showed us Muir had worn an official ABC News fire jacket for safety before, back in 2019. That one was far less flattering and more functional, with big utility pockets that covered up the pectoral area. Hmm.

Look, as previously mentioned, David Muir is far from the first smokeshow to get the job of national news anchor. It’s a tradition that goes back decades before the likes of Megyn Kelly and Erin Burnett, even before Diane Sawyer. “On-air reporter” has always been a job where serving face can help you get ahead. But it should never be the point. Not while you’re covering the fact people are losing their homes. And that’s what folks are bothered by in this case.

What do YOU think of Muir’s jacket incident?

[Image via ABC News/Jack Osbourne/Twitter.]