Lesley Stahl Stuns CBS with Public Rebuke, Targets Shari Redstone Amid Lawsuit Turmoil Threatening “60 Minutes” Legacy

A dramatic new chapter has unfolded at CBS as longtime “60 Minutes” correspondent Lesley Stahl openly criticized network chairwoman Shari Redstone. Breaking her silence after a high-profile lawsuit sent shockwaves through Paramount Global, Stahl accused network leaders of betrayal and voiced serious concerns about the future of CBS. The public airing of these grievances by one of CBS’s most established journalists begs the question: What is driving her to speak out now, and what does it reveal about the internal instability at the legendary network?

Lesley Stahl Speaks Candidly on Internal CBS Struggles

Appearing on The New Yorker’s podcast, Stahl did not hesitate to call out Redstone directly, describing her frustration over the chaos within the CBS executive ranks.

As former president Donald Trump pursues a multi-billion dollar lawsuit against CBS, Stahl told The New Yorker Radio Hour audience that such high-profile legal battles are “taking a toll on morale and editorial independence” at “60 Minutes.” She called the departure of lead producer Bill Owens “devastating,” and indicated that CBS had significantly constrained his editorial autonomy.

Stahl also referenced the sudden resignation of CBS News president Wendy McMahon, saying these events reflect the current “tough” atmosphere at CBS. “When a news organization is subjected to corporate directives — being told, ‘change this story, don’t air that segment, rewrite your coverage’—that’s a real problem,” Stahl explained.

She went on to say, “This kind of interference tramples on the First Amendment, undermines the freedom of the press, and betrays our core values. It really makes me question whether any large corporation should own a news organization at all. It’s deeply troubling.”

Trump’s Massive Lawsuit Looms Over CBS

Stahl’s remarks were released just before news broke that Trump rejected a $15 million settlement offer. According to insiders, Trump’s lawyers are pushing for at least $25 million and a public apology.

The legal battle began last October, when Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS and Paramount, alleging the network improperly influenced the 2020 election. Since then, the damages he’s seeking have doubled to an astonishing $20 billion.

Stahl called the suit “frivolous,” but noted that combined with growing public distrust of the media, it’s made the newsroom feel fragile and uncertain. “What truly pains me,” she said, “is that the public doesn’t understand the vital role of a strong and fearless press in a healthy democracy.”

Stahl Reflects on “60 Minutes” and the Future of Journalism

CBS also recently came under fire for its interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, adding fuel to ongoing debates about the network’s editorial direction.

Stahl emphasized, “Even the Founding Fathers saw the necessity of a robust fourth estate to keep our elected officials in check and maintain integrity in government. Sadly, the public seems less interested in the work we do as part of civic life.”

Discussing the loss of Bill Owens, Stahl reiterated, “That was just heartbreak. Many of us at ‘60 Minutes’ admired him for his integrity and courage under pressure—he was seen as a hero. His resignation really hit us hard, like a punch to the gut.”

Stahl also made clear her frustration over rumors that Paramount could settle with Trump. When asked directly if she feels anger toward Redstone, she answered honestly, “Yes, I do. I think I am angry.”

Addressing the broader challenges facing journalism, Stahl was frank. “Honestly, I’m not optimistic. In fact, I’m quite pessimistic,” she admitted. “People just don’t trust the press anymore. We’ve lost our standing with the public, and it’s a dark time for journalism.”