*Former ABC News anchor Kendis Gibson claims that racism, bullying, and toxic workplace culture at ABC contributed to his 2018 suicide attempt.
In an interview with Page Six and his new memoir, “Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health,” Gibson details how his mental health struggles, including depression and panic attacks, intensified during his time at “World News Now.” He alleges the environment was marked by hazing and discrimination, which worsened his already fragile mental state.
Gibson recalled a Black correspondent warned he was entering “Mickey’s plantation” when he took over T.J. Holmes’ overnight anchor desk role. When Gibson asked what she meant, the former colleague replied, “You’ll find out.”
“The sense I got from them was that it was in reference to veiled racism, and there was some truth to what was behind it,” Gibson explained.
Gibson reveals in his memoir that during his time at ABC, he struggled with anxiety and insomnia as he faced long, demanding hours. His efforts to diversify the network, including leading a “Diversity Task Force,” seemed to backfire, with his appearances on “Good Morning America” significantly dropping from 212 to just eight.
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In 2018, overwhelmed by the pressure, Gibson attempted suicide after a night of drinking and taking Ambien. Though he survived, he chose not to renew his contract, even after ABC offered a pay raise, citing the toll the job had taken on his health.
Gibson admits to having “underlying depression” when he took the ABC gig and spent several years “trying to perform at the top of the game… at an overnight show [and] during the day. It was just a lot, and the network was not listening to me at all.”
The anchor post is also known for its high turnover rate, many of whom eventually leave citing health issues being a leading factor. “Nineteen co-anchors during the course of my time there,” Gibson told Page Six.
After taking up therapy and psychedelic medications, Gibson is in a “different space,” today, he shared.
“It’s the first time I’ve been anywhere where I’m not looking for the next job and I’m comfortable in my skin,” Gibson said. “It’s not an early morning shift. I’m still not trying to test myself with those hours yet.”
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