ABC reporter David Muir facing backlash after viewers spot ‘sick’ detail during LA fires report

David Muir is facing backlash from viewers – and even Donald Trump Jr. – following a recent report on the Los Angeles wildfires. However, others have come out in support for the star.

Since Tuesday, wildfires have decimated the LA area, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain them.

Firefighters continue to battle the blazes. Credit: Anadolu / Getty

The devastating blazes have resulted in the confirmed deaths of 16 people, with authorities stating that another 13 people are currently missing, per BBC News. Officials have warned that the number of fatalities is expected to rise.

Additionally, more than 10,000 buildings and structures have been destroyed, as more than 150,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas, with strict overnight curfews in place to ensure public safety.

Among the many reporters on the ground keeping the public up-to-date with the latest developments regarding the blazes was ABC reporter David Muir.

However, following his televised report on Thursday, viewers spotted what appeared to be a clothes peg attached to the back of his yellow flame-retardant jacket.

Many viewers assumed that this was an attempt to make the outfit look more cinched and flattering, leading to people taking to X to criticize Muir.

“If you care about how your waistline looks while people’s entire lives are ablaze right next to you, you’re an absolute douchebag,” one person tweeted. “Don’t be like @DavidMuir.”

“Nothing about David Muir is real,” another added. “What kind of a tool uses a clothespin to keep his jacket tight on his body.”

Jack Osbourne also shared footage from the report, writing: “Nice Jacket Bro. Glad you look nice and svelte with those clothes line pegs, while our city burns to the ground.”

Even Donald Trump Jr. took aim at Muir, tweeting: “David Muir, the supposed moderator of my father‘s presidential debate, who instead chose to be a participant, is so vain that as people in Los Angeles are losing everything, he used clothes pins to make his fake fireman’s jacket more form fitting. Sick!”

However, a number of people – including fellow media personalities – have defended Muir.

Jack Osbourne was one star who called out Muir. Credit: X/JackOsbourne/ABC

Firstly, many social media users have not only responded to critics telling them to focus on the broader picture, but also suggested in a community note on X that the jacket may have been pinned to stop it flapping around in high winds and interfering with Muir’s microphone.

Additionally, TJ Holmes and Amy Robach have defended Muir. Speaking on their podcast – Does This Make Me Look Fat? – 51-year-old Robach said: “He cinched his jacket as many of us have done in the field and on this set to create a cleaner line.

“Television is a visual media. So, yes, I have cinched my jacket.”

Holmes suggested that Muir may have been unaware of the adjusted, that could have been made by another member of the news crew.

“The perspective might be missing in that often times — and I don’t know if he does — travel with a producer or even a wardrobe person whose job is — you might be looking at your phone, getting the latest, looking at notes or doing something, and people are pulling and plugging things onto you, the mic and the IFB [in-ear monitor] and all these things,” Holmes said.

Additionally, Emmy-winning meteorologist Greg Dutra – who works for Chicago’s ABC affiliate – also stepped up to defend Muir.

Muir has had support from other media personalities. Credit: Instagram/Greg Dutra

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Dutra shared a behind-the-scenes photo of himself during a live broadcast, revealing that he also uses a clothespin to cinch his coat. The veteran weatherman explained that this trick is a common practice among TV reporters to ensure their on-camera appearance looks sharp.

Muir is yet to comment publically on the backlash, but has since returned to screens in a looser jacket.