Following weeks of speculation about their fate on “GMA3,” Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes have officially been ousted from the afternoon news program following their alleged affair.
“After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, about different options, we all agreed it’s best for everyone that they move on from ABC News,” an ABC spokesperson told USA TODAY Friday. “We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions.”
The decision comes about one month after ABC temporarily sidelined the co-anchors, both separately married, calling the allegations a “distraction.” Photographs and videos published by the Daily Mail in November showed the duo cozying up. One picture showed the two holding hands. Another Holmes patting Robach on the bottom.
“It’s become an internal and an external distraction, the relationship between two of our colleagues,” ABC News President Kim Godwin alerted the editorial staff in December, according to an employee on the call who was not authorized to share details publicly. “While the relationship is not a violation of company policies, I have taken the last few days to think through what I think is best for our organization. For now, I’m going to take Amy and T.J. off the air while we figure this out.”
Later that month, Holmes filed a petition for divorce from immigration attorney Marilee Fiebig, whom he married in March 2010 and shares 9-year-old daughter Sabine with.
“Marilee’s sole focus has remained on the overall best interests of her nine-year-old daughter,” Fiebig’s attorney Stephanie Lehman said in a statement to the DailyMail earlier this month. “To that end, TJ’s attorney and I have been working together to move their divorce forward privately, expeditiously, and as amicably as possible.”
Lehman confirmed the report to USA TODAY.
‘GMA’ scandal sweeps the nation:Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes and why we can’t look away
Robach wed “Melrose Place” star Andrew Shue in 2010. They listed their New York City apartment for sale in September . While the pair did not have kids together, Robach has two children from her first marriage.
Contributing: Erin Jensen, Naledi Ushe, Charles Trepany
