BS BRIEF:
- Former Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean says she was “muzzled” during her final years at the network, claiming she was prevented from continuing to speak publicly about former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Dean’s comments came after Cuomo appeared on Fox Business, prompting her to post on social media that she was “grateful I’m not there” and that she is now “free.”
- Dean became one of Cuomo’s most prominent critics after losing both of her in-laws during the pandemic and has suggested she may publicly discuss her experiences at Fox in greater detail.
Less than a month after retiring from Fox News, longtime meteorologist Janice Dean is publicly alleging that she was prevented from speaking about one of the issues that defined the latter part of her television career: former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of COVID-19 nursing home policies.
Dean, who retired in June after 22 years with Fox News because of the progression of multiple sclerosis, reacted Tuesday after learning Cuomo had appeared on Fox Business Network. When one social media user described the appearance as “a slap in the face,” Dean responded simply:
“Yup. Not surprised at all. Grateful I’m not there.”
The conversation escalated throughout the day. After another user criticized Fox, Dean replied:
“I’m free now.”
Later, she suggested there was considerably more to her story.
“Someday I’ll tell you all the story of how I was banned to talk about Andrew Cuomo after I spent years speaking out about what he did to seniors during COVID.”
She followed that post by writing:
“I have many, many, many stories. Sometimes I can’t believe the stuff I’ve been through. But I’m free now.”
Dean later agreed with another social media user who suggested she had been “muzzled” while Cuomo sought political office, responding with a single word:
“Yes.”
Dean emerged as one of Cuomo’s most visible critics during the pandemic after both of her in-laws died following COVID-19 outbreaks connected to New York assisted-living facilities. For years she called for greater accountability over the state’s nursing home policies and frequently appeared before congressional committees examining the issue.
Earlier this month, Dean bid an emotional farewell to viewers after more than two decades on Fox & Friends, saying the physical demands of the early-morning schedule had become increasingly difficult because of her multiple sclerosis. At the time, Fox praised her contributions and expressed support for her decision to step away.
Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi pushed back on Dean’s latest comments, saying:
“All COVID deaths are just as tragic now as they were six years ago, but this issue has been exhaustively investigated by the DOJ IG, the New York Attorney General, an outside investigator hired by New York state, among others.”
He added that:
“Every credible inquiry found New York’s guidance was consistent with federal guidelines,” and noted that litigation brought by Dean’s family had ultimately been dismissed, including after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
Dean’s posts suggest that her departure from television may not mark the end of her public commentary on Cuomo—or on her years behind the scenes in cable news.
DBS WIRE SOURCES:
- Mediaite – Ex-Fox Newser Janice Dean Slams Network Over Andrew Cuomo Appearance, Suggests She’s Ready to Spill Dirt Read the story
- The Daily Beast – Former Fox News Star Threatens to Tell All Read the story
- Fox News – Janice Dean offers a tearful final farewell after bringing sunshine to Fox News for over two decades Read the story
- Los Angeles Times – Longtime meteorologist Janice Dean is stepping away from Fox News Read the story
