Former "World News Tonight" weekend anchor Carole Simpson was miffed about not being invited to celebrate Barbara Walters last show on ABC's "The View" along with 25 other women journalists who had been influenced by Walters.
Simpson took to her Facebook page to air her displeasure:
"I wonder why I wasn't included among the two dozen network newswomen and anchors who feted Barbara Walters at a private party and then on "The View?" We both worked at NBC and ABC at the same times. She is my idol and I believe she knows that. At first I was very sad and now I am very mad. I guess ABC News, after my 24 years there, still considers me persona non grata. The black woman anchor, who had to speak her mind for herself and others, is erased from ABC history. I will say a solo goodbye to Barbara and ABC news can just..."
ABC News responded on May 19th saying "The View" producers had compiled the invites, and not ABC News.
"ABC News had nothing whatsoever to do with producing the tribute to Barbara Walters,"
Simpson took to her Facebook page again a few days later on May 20, 2014 to thank her fans for support:
"Thanks to all who posted their support for me in re: Barbara Walters' farewell. I just shared my feelings to my FB friends and never expected the overwhelming response. I wasn't trying to make news or a federal case. It was just an observation, but no surprise to me. It's over and done. I have put on my big girl panties and I'm movin' on."
Highlights from Walters last appearance on "The View" as co-host is below.
