A former ABC News anchor says racism, a toxic culture and online abuse led to her 2018 suicide attempt.

Former anchor of ABC News’ World News Now. Kendis Gibson he said that racism, a toxic culture, bullying and other factors on the ABC program led him to attempt suicide.

Although he admitted that “an underlying depression was already there,” Gibson said it worsened when he took over as anchor TJ Holmes on “World News Now” overnight.

Gibson detailed his alleged experiences in his new memory “Five Trips: An Investigative Journey Into Mental Health” (Post Hill Press), in which he talks about using drugs to treat several mental problems he was struggling with at the time, including depression and suicidal thoughts.

When he first arrived at ABC, Gibson said he was greeted by some of the platform’s biggest names, including Robin Roberts, who he said “couldn’t be nicer or more authentic both on and off camera.”

However, Gibson claims that a black correspondent warned him that he was trespassing on “Mickey’s plantation.” When asked what she meant, she replied, “You’ll find out.”

“The impression I got from them was that it was a reference to veiled racism and there was some truth behind it,” Gibson said in one of his excerpts. While he notes that networking is the path to excellence, he says the discouraging atmosphere has worsened over the last two years he has been at the company. His requests to leave his desk were refused, which he believes ultimately affected his mental health.

Trying to keep up with his demanding job and demanding work hours, he relied on the sleeping drug Ambien to help him battle anxiety and insomnia. He further claims that his appearances on “Good Morning America” ​​were gradually phased out after he helped lead a “Diversity Task Force” aimed at attracting more diverse talent. He says he went from 212 appearances on the show to eight.

Ultimately, Gibson said he broke down in 2018. The journalist had just returned from a late-night show and was crying as he fell asleep after drinking two Ambiens and a glass of Chardonnay. After his former partner left for work for the day, Gibson tried to jump out of the kitchen window. But the drugs and alcohol took effect, causing his body to recoil and fall to the kitchen floor. His best friend woke him up and within a few hours he was back at his desk.

At the end, Gibson decided not to renew his contract, even after ABC offered him a $10,000 raise with a one-year extension, saying he “didn’t think it was worth my time and health to dedicate another year to working in such a difficult job.” situation.” schedule.”

Today, Gibson says he found himself in a “different space” after starting therapy and psychedelic therapy.

This is the first time I’ve been anywhere where I’m not looking for another job and I feel comfortable in my skin,” Gibson wrote. He currently works at WPIX11 News in New York. “It’s not the morning shift. I am still not trying to test myself during these hours.”

TheWrap has reached out to ABC News for comment.

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