Former ABC Journalist Claims Report Altered After Fauci Review

Former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran has come forward with claims about his previous employer, alleging that a report he produced on the COVID lab leak theory was heavily altered after being vetted by Dr. Anthony Fauci. In a podcast interview with “The Fifth Column,” Moran expressed that he felt censored by the Disney-owned network.

According to Moran, in early 2021, he explored the possibility of COVID originating from a laboratory following discussions among knowledgeable individuals online. ABC’s “Nightline” permitted him to pursue and develop a story around this theory.

His report included interviews with various scientists and members of the Trump administration. Despite not drawing definitive conclusions, it offered a comprehensive perspective. Moran revealed that the report uncovered that the suspect lab had ties to the Chinese military, countering claims made by Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli.

“My feeling was it’s probably more likely natural, but if you told me it leaked from the lab, that’s plausible,” Moran mentioned.

Moran explained that just before the report aired, it underwent a review process. He stated that the edited version he received was filled with legal jargon and difficult to follow. Moran recounted his frustration upon learning that both legal teams and Dr. Fauci were involved in the review.

In the two-part segment, which aired in June 2021, the report featured interviews with notable figures, including Jamie Metzl, an advocate of the lab leak theory. However, most experts in the segment dismissed this hypothesis.

Despite his criticisms, Moran also condemned the harsh treatment Fauci faced, recognizing him as a dedicated public servant. Moran departed from ABC in 2025.

No comments were provided by Moran, Fauci, or ABC News when approached by Fox News Digital. An inquiry was also sent to the White House.

Fauci’s diary, released by Senator Rand Paul, has placed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director’s contradictory public and private statements under scrutiny. While the lab leak theory was once criticized, it has gained traction among U.S. agencies like the CIA, FBI, and Department of Energy. The debate over COVID-19’s origins continues.