Discover How a Controversial ‘60 Minutes’ Story by Bari Weiss Went Viral in Canada – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief at CBS News, recently created a stir by pulling a segment titled “Inside CECOT” from a planned “60 Minutes” episode. This decision caused quite a reaction inside CBS, but the segment has not been kept under wraps.

Viewers in Canada were surprised to find the episode available on a streaming platform owned by Global TV, which holds the Canadian rights to “60 Minutes.” The episode featured a report by Sharyn Alfonsi, which Weiss deemed “not ready” for U.S. audiences.

Soon after its release, Canadian viewers were sharing clips of the episode across social media, leading to a viral moment on platforms like Reddit and Bluesky. One user even warned others to watch quickly, suspecting CBS might try to remove the clips.

Commentators and writers quickly amplified this, suggesting that the segment could become one of the most-watched newsmagazine pieces ever. George Conway, a well-known figure and critic of former President Trump, commented on X, emphasizing the segment’s potential for widespread attention.

A CBS spokesperson remained silent amidst this unexpected buzz. The report had taken weeks to prepare, and it was only on the following Saturday that Weiss raised concerns about the story, pointing out a lack of response from Trump administration officials.

CBs sometimes allows affiliates like Global TV to access taped content ahead of time, which is likely what happened here. The version streamed in Canada was finalized just before Weiss expressed her doubts.

Interestingly, a CBS source told CNN that the accidental airing might actually be beneficial, arguing the segment is strong and should have aired as planned. Those close to Weiss, however, believed the segment felt skewed due to missing interviews with relevant officials. Weiss insisted it was essential to hear from major players, while Alfonsi insisted that attempts to secure those interviews were purposefully thwarted.

At the end of the Canadian segment, Alfonsi pointed out that Homeland Security declined their interview requests and referred all questions regarding CECOT to El Salvador, which did not respond.

The segment brought chilling accounts from men deported to El Salvador. One detainee, Luis Munoz Pinto, shared harrowing details of the abuse inside CECOT prison, describing a scene filled with blood and screams.

Alfonsi also consulted a representative from Human Rights Watch, an organization that had previously issued a report detailing abuses at the prison. In a memo alleging that Weiss had “spiked” the story, Alfonsi suggested the decision was politically motivated, rather than editorial.

Philippe Bolopion, from Human Rights Watch, expressed concern over these kinds of pressures on press freedom in the U.S. He anticipates that the evidence presented in the segment is clear: the Trump administration had sent Venezuelan men to a prison in El Salvador where they faced horrific treatment.

This unfolding drama highlights not just the intricacies of journalistic integrity, but also the ongoing debate over press freedom and accountability.

For more on the impact of press freedom, you can explore resources from organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists.

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