CBS Defends Gayle King Amid Coates Controversy

CBS has defended Gayle King amid accusations that she shared interview questions with author Ta-Nehisi Coates prior to their segment on September 30. The network clarified that King engaged in a standard pre-interview conversation rather than providing questions in advance. During the interview, co-host Tony Dokoupil criticized Coates, claiming he was an 'extremist', while King attempted to facilitate the discussion by allowing Coates time to express his views. Coates later commented on Trevor Noah's show that King had discussed potential topics with him backstage, stirring controversy. CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon reprimanded Dokoupil for not maintaining impartiality during the segment. The network emphasized King's reputation as a respected journalist known for her thorough preparation and standard practices in interviewing.