Fox News Colleagues Deny ‘Bullsh*t’ Allegations Pete Hegseth Smelled of Alcohol on Set
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
A number of Pete Hegseth’s former Fox News colleagues on Tuesday denied allegations he smelled of alcohol on set.
After 10 current and former Fox News staffers told NBC News that Hegseth’s colleagues were concerned about his drinking and had smelled alcohol on him “as recently as last month,” several current and former Fox News hosts, contributors, producers went on the record to deny the accusations.
“Bullshit. 100 percent bullshit. Actually…horseshit,” reacted Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Will Cain. “Your story is horseshit @NBCNews. Put my name on it. On the record. It’ll be your only on the record source. Signed, The guy who sat next to him for 8 hours every week for five years starting at 6am.”
Former Fox News host Dan Bongino also described the allegations as “HORSESHIT,” while Fox News contributor Nicole Saphier wrote, “I have routinely sat on the couch with @PeteHegseth for 8 years. Not once did I suspect he had consumed anything other than an egg sandwich and coffee before going on air.”
“I don’t drink. I’m disgusted by the smell of alcohol on someone’s breath. I’ve never EVER seen Pete drink like that, and have never smelled alcohol on his breath at work,” declared Fox News contributor Joey Jones. “These hit pieces are getting laughable.”
Two former Fox News producers also went on the record to reject the allegations.
“I sae [sic] @PeteHegseth numerous times while working at Fox News. Never got the impression he was ever drunk,” recalled former Fox News producer Kyle Becker. “No bloodshot eyes. No slurred speech. No disheveled appearance. No wobbly gait. Nothing. I’m also calling bullshit.”
“As a former Fox producer, I’ve never heard this in my life,” wrote former Fox News producer Breanna Morello. “Everyone spoke highly of him and still does til this day. I noticed the employees are anonymous.”
Among the 10 anonymous current and former Fox News employees who spoke to NBC News about Hegseth’s alleged drinking problem, two claimed they could smell alcohol on their colleague “on more than a dozen occasions,” while one “said they smelled alcohol on him as recently as last month.”
Hegseth left Fox News last month after he was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as secretary of defense.
