Savannah Guthrie Angered by False Allegations Against Brother-in-Law in Mother’s Case

Savannah Guthrie “Livid” Over False Claims About Family in Mother’s Disappearance Case

Today show host Savannah Guthrie is reportedly furious after podcaster Ashleigh Banfield suggested her brother-in-law could be a suspect in the investigation of her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.

According to former NBC colleague Megyn Kelly, Guthrie is “livid” about Banfield’s claims, which were made during the February 3 episode of “Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield.” The podcaster alleged that Tommaso Cioni, who is married to Savannah’s sister Annie, might be implicated in the disappearance.

“I have not been able to confirm that the Guthrie family wants to sue Ashleigh Banfield, but I have confirmed that Savannah is livid about that report and definitely does not suspect her sister or her brother-in-law,” Kelly stated during an episode of SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show” on March 12.

Kelly added, “Can you blame her? I mean, of course, she loves her sister, I’m sure she loves her brother-in-law, and I’m sure she genuinely doesn’t believe they had anything to do with it.”

The allegations come despite clear statements from law enforcement that Nancy’s family members have been ruled out as potential suspects. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has been emphatic in his defense of the Guthrie family, challenging Banfield’s reporting.

“We don’t have anybody here listed as a suspect, and you could actually be doing some damage to the case—but you can do some damage to that individual, too,” Nanos stated, seemingly addressing Banfield’s claims. “Social media is kind of an ugly world sometimes.”

The sheriff’s department later released an additional statement firmly defending the family: “The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel.”

Sheriff Nanos told NBC News that his office issued the statement because individuals had been “attacking the innocent.” He emphasized that “kindness matters” and concluded that it’s “every cop’s duty to stand up and be that voice for our victims.”

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered significant media attention due to her relationship with Savannah, one of the most recognizable faces in morning television. The investigation has reportedly uncovered disturbing evidence, including blood found in Nancy’s home, suggesting foul play.

Despite the sheriff’s clear statements, Banfield appears to be standing by her reporting. A producer for “Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield” told The Hollywood Reporter that the journalist “stands by her reporting” and is defending her “ironclad source.”

This public dispute highlights the tensions that can arise when high-profile cases intersect with celebrity families. For Savannah Guthrie, who has been visibly distraught over her mother’s disappearance, Banfield’s claims add another layer of distress to an already traumatic situation.

Media ethics experts often caution against naming potential suspects without official confirmation from law enforcement, especially in sensitive missing persons cases. The rush to identify suspects can not only hamper investigations but also cause irreparable harm to innocent individuals and their reputations.

As the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues, authorities are asking the public for any information that might help locate the 84-year-old woman. Meanwhile, the Guthrie family continues to cooperate with law enforcement while dealing with both the uncertainty surrounding Nancy’s whereabouts and the added burden of unfounded public speculation.

For Savannah Guthrie, who continues her duties at NBC’s “Today” show while coping with this family crisis, the situation underscores the difficult balance public figures must maintain between their professional responsibilities and personal tragedies.