Kendis Gibson Janet Mayer/startraksphoto.com
News anchor Kendis Gibson is claiming the toxic workplace culture during his time at ABC News played a role in his 2018 suicide attempt.
Gibson, 52, opens up about his experience at ABC News in his book Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing and Saving a Life, which will hit shelves on Tuesday December 3.
According to an early excerpt from Page Six, Gibson’s time at the network in 2014 started off pleasant as he received “heartwarming reception” from the Good Morning America crew. He gushed over his “official” announcement from Robin Roberts when she dubbed him as “the newest member of the Good Morning America” live on air.
While Gibson noted that Roberts, 64, “couldn’t have been nicer and more genuine on and off camera,” some of his other coworkers warned him of the Disney-owned network’s toxic environment. Gibson claimed that an unnamed Black correspondent welcomed him “to Mickey’s plantation,” seemingly referring to the brand’s notable character, Mickey Mouse.
“The sense I got from them was that it was in reference to veiled racism,” Gibson told Page Six in an interview published on Monday, November 25. “And there was some truth to what was behind it.”
Gibson shared that throughout his tenure at the network, he worked with “19” different coanchors. As Gibson tried to “perform at the top of the game,” he felt unheard by the executives. He alleged he was spoken down to and recalled a moment he was scolded for dressing like he was “attending a rap concert” by wearing jeans.
“I was so naïve … I had rose-colored glasses on,” he claimed to the outlet. “I didn’t think there was racism taking place. I didn’t see all the indications.“
Gibson shared that he pitched stories for GMA involving Lewis Hamilton, Maluma and an interview with Ricky Martin but they were allegedly passed on. The journalist added that while he was popular with overnight viewers, the real respect came from the prestigious GMA.
“If you’re not on GMA, you’re not earning your keep. [It feels like] there’s something wrong with you,” he claimed. “It was screwing with my psyche.”
While Gibson confessed that he was struggling with “underlying depression” before joining ABC News, the environment made things worse for him. After working for the network for four years, Gibson reached his lowest point.
After returning home from an overnight newscast shift, Gibson took two Ambien while having two glasses of Chardonnay and cried himself to sleep. Gibson later woke up in the middle of the night with thoughts of suicide. He texted his former partner goodbye and was going to jump out his kitchen window.
However, the medication and alcohol sent him backward on the floor. Gibson woke up to see his friend and meteorologist, Mike Woods, who remained by his side. Woods ended up staging an intervention for Gibson.
Following his suicide attempt, Gibson returned to work. He also sought out therapy and was prescribed antidepressants.
“I didn’t like therapy. I had a love-hate relationship with SSRIs,” he reflected. “It allowed me to function a little bit, but it felt more like it was suppressing, and didn’t treat it.”
When Gibson’s contract with ABC was up, the network offered him a one-year extension with a $10,000 raise. However, Gibson ended up turning down the offer as he “didn’t think it was worth my time and health to sacrifice another year working that difficult schedule.”
Following his time at ABC, Gibson moved on to NBC News. Currently he is an anchor at New York’s local station PIX11 News.
ABC News declined to comment.
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