CNN’s Jake tapper publicly Confronts Bill O’Reilly Over Past On-Air Disagreement
NEW YORK - CNN’s Jake Tapper sharply rebuked former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly following O’Reilly’s recent criticism of NBC News amid the Harvey Weinstein scandal,reminding him of a highly publicized on-air clash the two had in 2017. The exchange unfolded on Twitter and was subsequently reported by The Washington Post on October 18, 2017.
The public confrontation arrives as O’Reilly attempts a media resurgence, bolstered by support from President Donald Trump-himself facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct-and the success of his new book, which topped The New York Times bestseller list. The incident underscores the enduring fallout from the wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations that swept through Hollywood and the media in 2017, and highlights the continued scrutiny of figures accused of similar behavior.
O’Reilly had taken to Twitter on September 19,2017,to criticize NBC News,receiving a retweet from President Trump. Tapper responded by referencing a 2017 segment on The Lead where he thoroughly dismantled O’Reilly’s reporting on the Iraq War, stating, “Perhaps you’re forgetting that I utterly destroyed you on your own network in front of the world.”
The original dispute stemmed from O’Reilly’s reporting on the death of Navy SEAL Pat Tillman, which Tapper argued contained inaccuracies and misleading information. tapper’s detailed critique, broadcast on Fox News, left O’Reilly visibly flustered and unable to adequately defend his claims.
As his forced departure from Fox News in April 2017 following allegations of sexual harassment, O’Reilly has maintained a presence in the media landscape, appearing on Glenn Beck’s radio show and promoting his new book. His continued attempts to re-establish himself in the public sphere, coupled with the support he receives from controversial figures, have drawn criticism and renewed attention to the allegations against him.
