Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Geraldo Rivera

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Geraldo Rivera.

Geraldo Rivera is an American journalist, attorney, author, and political commentator. He is known for hosting the tabloid talk show *Geraldo* and the news magazine program *Geraldo at Large*. He gained notoriety with the live TV special *The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults*. He worked at Fox News Channel from 2001 to 2023 and served as a co-host on *The Five* from 2022 to 2023. Currently, he is a correspondent-at-large with NewsNation as of February 2024.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

October 1985: Fired from ABC

In October 1985, Geraldo Rivera was fired from ABC after publicly criticizing Roone Arledge's journalistic integrity regarding a report on Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedys.

1985: Rivera has an affair with Marian Javits until 1985

Geraldo Rivera had an affair with Marian Javits, wife of New York Senator Jacob Javits, until 1985.

1988: Nose broken during brawl on Geraldo

In 1988, Geraldo Rivera's nose was broken in a well-publicized brawl on his show Geraldo, involving white supremacists, antiracist skinheads, black activist Roy Innis, and militant Jewish activists.

1991: Bette Midler accuses Rivera of groping

In 1991, actress and singer Bette Midler accused Geraldo Rivera of groping her in an interview with Barbara Walters.

2001: Controversy over war report in Afghanistan

In 2001, during the War in Afghanistan, Geraldo Rivera faced criticism for falsely claiming to be at the scene of a friendly fire incident.

2003: Expelled from Iraq for disclosing military operation

In early 2003, Geraldo Rivera was expelled from Iraq after disclosing an upcoming military operation on Fox News, putting the operation at risk.

2005: Feud with The New York Times over Hurricane Katrina coverage

In 2005, Geraldo Rivera feuded with The New York Times over allegations that he pushed aside a rescue team member to be filmed "assisting" a woman in a wheelchair after Hurricane Katrina.

2007: Dispute with Michelle Malkin

In 2007, Geraldo Rivera was involved in a dispute with Fox colleague Michelle Malkin, leading to Malkin's departure from The O'Reilly Factor.

March 23, 2012: Controversial Comments on Trayvon Martin's Hoodie

On March 23, 2012, Geraldo Rivera made controversial comments about Trayvon Martin's hoodie, suggesting it was connected to his shooting death and later apologized for the offense caused.

2015: Rivera criticizes Kendrick Lamar's BET Awards performance

In 2015, Geraldo Rivera criticized Kendrick Lamar's performance of "Alright" at the BET Awards, which later led to Lamar mentioning Rivera in his 2017 song "YAH."

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November 2017: Rivera issues apology after Bette Midler allegations resurface

In November 2017, following the resurfacing of Bette Midler's allegations from 1991 that Rivera drugged and groped her, Rivera issued a statement claiming a different recollection of events and apologized for the incident.

November 29, 2017: Rivera defends Matt Lauer

On November 29, 2017, Geraldo Rivera defended Matt Lauer after he was fired by NBC for alleged inappropriate sexual behavior, stating that "News is a flirty business." He later apologized after receiving criticism.

2017: Midler renews accusation against Rivera

In 2017, Bette Midler renewed her accusation against Geraldo Rivera on Twitter, prompting Rivera to respond and apologize for "publicly embarrassing her all those years ago."

March 13, 2020: Rivera makes false claim about coronavirus

On March 13, 2020, during a segment on Fox & Friends, Geraldo Rivera stated that holding one's breath for 10 seconds could determine if someone has the coronavirus. This false claim has been debunked by medical experts.

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July 22, 2020: Rivera defends Trump's comments on Ghislaine Maxwell

On July 22, 2020, Geraldo Rivera called President Trump "brave" for wishing Ghislaine Maxwell "well" and called Maxwell being denied bail an example of "woke politics" following her arrest on charges related to Jeffrey Epstein.

April 8, 2021: Rivera makes controversial comment to Leo Terrell

On April 8, 2021, during a discussion on St. Louis mayor-elect Tishaura Jones, Geraldo Rivera asked Leo Terrell, "when was the last time you were in the ghetto?" leading to an argument. Rivera later apologized.

December 14, 2021: Rivera calls to account Fox News anchors

On December 14, 2021, Geraldo Rivera called to account texts sent by Fox News anchors, including Sean Hannity, to then-President Donald J. Trump asking for a forceful response to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building.