To the average American, David Muir is the polished, unflappable, razor-sharp anchor of World News Tonight. But to the gays, the girlies, and those group chats circulating thirst edits like they’re insider stock tips, Muir isn’t just reading the headlines — he’s the iconic headline himself.
On gay Twitter, TikTok, and Tumblr (yes, she lives!), Muir is lovingly, loudly, and frequently dubbed “Daddy.” And the best part? He knows. And he’s hilariously bashful about it.
RELATED: David Muir Didn’t Ask To Be Called Daddy. The Algorithm Insisted
In an interview with People, the anchor reacted to the flood of TikTok edits — dramatic slow-motion shots, sultry voiceovers, fan-made montages, and even a Tumblr shrine titled “Gimme Gimme Muir.” When someone asked him about the clips, he couldn’t help but laugh.
Muir said friends often send him the videos because they’re cracking up. “When did you become Daddy?” they tease. He even joked that maybe hitting 50 automatically enrolls a man into daddyhood. But he insists he’s still uncomfortable even wearing a tux at events, saying he always worries he looks like a total nerd. Daddy energy but with humble, shy-librarian undertones? Gay Twitter never stood a chance.
America’s Most-Watched Anchor — With a Mysterious Dating Life
Muir may anchor the biggest nightly newscast in America, but fans have one burning question: Is David Muir gay? And beyond that… Is he dating anyone at all?
Photo Credit: @davidmuirabcDespite being one of the most recognizable faces in media, Muir remains impressively private. Social media swoons over his biceps and his soft-smile selfies, but there’s no partner featured, no romantic captioning, no dual trips to Italy with matching linen outfits. For the self-proclaimed “Daddy of ABC News,” his dating life is locked up tighter than the network’s election coverage scripts.
And when the internet doesn’t get answers, the internet creates them.
The Gio Benitez Rumors (And Why They’re Not True)
For nearly a decade, fans have speculated about David and fellow ABC journalist Gio Benitez. The rumor started around 2015 after the two were photographed together, sparking an enthusiastic wave of “They’re dating!” tweets.
However, Benitez married lifestyle influencer Tommy DiDario in 2016. They’re adorable, they’re happy, and they are not — tragically for the fanfiction writers — co-parenting a secret baby with David. If you see posts claiming otherwise, we regret to inform you that the internet lied. Again.
Then Came Kelly Ripa and the Secure Email Flirtation
Another rumor attached Muir to longtime friend Kelly Ripa. She once joked on Live with Kelly and Ryan that their first-ever interaction was an email sent through ABC’s secure system after she saw him on-air. It was playful, harmless, and very Kelly. But it didn’t indicate romance — just the origin story of a media friendship.
Kate Dries: Girlfriend or Satirical Footnote?
In 2015, former Jezebel deputy editor Kate Dries published a humorous, tongue-in-cheek essay titled “Report Indicates My Boyfriend David Muir Is a ‘Monster’.” She described dates, claimed to have taken some of his Instagram photos, and wrote as though she and Muir were an item.
Did the internet believe her? Absolutely. Did the ABC news anchor confirm it? Absolutely not.
He never addressed the article, and no subsequent evidence suggested they were ever romantically involved. Fans remain divided on whether they briefly dated or whether Dries was joking in a Carrie Bradshaw fever dream sort of way.
The AussieBum Connection
In 2022, David was linked to a man named Sean, reportedly associated with the swimwear brand aussieBum. The rumor had traction for a moment, but — like so many whispers around the news anchor — nothing concrete surfaced. No red carpets, no Instagram tags, no public comments.
It joined the growing pile of unverified Muir Mythology.
So… Is David Muir Gay?
Photo Credit: @davidmuirabcHere’s the truth: We don’t know. And until David says otherwise, any label — gay, bi, pan, queer — is purely speculation. The anchor keeps his personal life completely separate from his public one, and while fans love to imagine daddy-domestic bliss, he hasn’t confirmed anything.
What is confirmed is this: David Muir embraces the internet’s “Daddy” obsession with humility, humor, and a healthy amount of blushing. And honestly? That might be why the gay community adores him so much.
Queer, straight, or somewhere in between, Muir has solidified himself as a full-fledged gay internet icon — and until he publicly debuts a partner, the thirst edits will only get more dramatic.
And yes… we’ll keep watching. For journalism. Of course.
REFERENCES: People, Coming Soon