The ongoing disappearance case of Nancy Guthrie unfolding in Arizona has already been heartbreaking on its own, but now it’s also sparking a media controversy after comments made by Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld about the victim’s television journalist Savannah Guthrie. What began as coverage of a troubling abduction investigation quickly turned into a debate about what is appropriate to say on national television when families are dealing with trauma in real time.
The emotional Arizona case centers on Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, who has been missing since early February. While investigators continue searching for answers, Gutfeld’s on-air remarks about the situation have drawn strong reactions from viewers, public figures, and social media commentators alike, per Radar Online.
During a February 11 broadcast on Fox News, Gutfeld spoke with contributor Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector, about investigative strategies related to the disappearance. In the discussion, Gutfeld suggested revisiting what he described as a potential approach to moving the investigation forward.
Fox News Host Greg Gutfeld Thinks Nancy Guthrie Should Take A Lie Detector Test
“That would be having the least likely suspect, Savannah Guthrie, offer to do a polygraph, which will then put necessary pressure on others inside and outside the circle to do the same. Since no one has been ruled out, it’s one step forward in ruling in,” Gutfeld said. “Anybody who says no or bristles looks unusual.”
Mauro responded by noting that, to his knowledge, polygraph testing had not been part of the investigation so far. “I’m not sure we necessarily would’ve heard, but I think we would with the way things happen going out here,” he said. “And as we all know, it’s not admissible in court, but it can be a pointer.”
Gutfeld didn’t accuse Savannah, but his suggestion didn’t sit well with many. While the exchange may have been framed as speculative commentary, viewers online didn’t exactly find it helpful. Clips of the segment spread quickly across social media, where criticism followed just as fast.
One account, Decoding Fox News, didn’t hold back, writing: “Greg Gutfeld kept joking about the details surrounding the alleged abduction of Nancy Guthrie. He came across as a child jealous that someone else was getting attention. There’s absolutely nothing funny about this horrific case.”
Gutfeld Immediately Began Taking Heat Online
The account continued, “It almost seemed like Greg Gutfeld went out of his way to be as inappropriate as possible while discussing the alleged kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old grandmother. Fox News has made this story its number one focus now for two weeks.”
Even literary icon Joyce Carol Oates joined the conversation, offering a sharp response of her own. She said it would be “fun to ask Fox News people, including Gutfeld, to take polygraphs to determine if they’re lying to Fox viewers.” She added, “How many do you think would say, ‘Sure! Happy to take a polygraph,’”
Meanwhile, the real-life mystery remains unresolved. Nancy Guthrie was last seen January 31 after being dropped off at her home by her daughter Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni. The following morning, she was expected to livestream a church service from a friend’s house but never arrived. Concern grew when she couldn’t be reached, prompting family members to check on her.
By the time her children arrived at the home, Nancy was gone. Her phone, keys, and wallet had been left behind, a detail investigators often consider significant in missing-person cases.
Arizona Authorities Are Still Searching For Answers
Authorities have since reviewed surveillance footage that may provide clues. Video from Nancy’s doorbell camera reportedly shows a masked individual wearing gloves and what appears to be a holstered weapon. Another video captured a man roughly five miles away carrying a backpack similar to the one seen in the earlier footage. Despite these developments, no primary suspect has been identified.
Throughout the ordeal, Savannah Guthrie and her family have continued to express hope that Nancy is still alive. The public reaction to Gutfeld’s comments highlights how emotionally charged cases like this can become, especially when they intersect with media personalities and national audiences. True-crime coverage often walks a fine line between analysis and sensitivity, and many viewers clearly felt that line was crossed.
For now, the focus remains where it should be, on finding answers. As investigators continue working the case in Arizona, the Guthrie family waits for news that could bring clarity, closure, or hopefully, Nancy safely home.
Lola Wheeler 
Dylan Cook 
