He’s one of the most recognizable faces in American journalism. With his calm demeanor, piercing gaze, and authoritative voice, David Muir has become a nightly presence in millions of homes as the anchor of ABC World News Tonight. But while viewers know almost everything about the news he reports, they know almost nothing about him.

For years, fans have speculated about David’s personal life. Is he single? Married? Secretly dating someone? The questions have swirled on social media and gossip blogs, but the anchor has remained steadfastly silent—until now.

In a rare, emotional moment during a recent interview for a documentary about journalism and mental health, David finally broke his silence. And what he shared surprised everyone.

“People always ask me why I don’t talk about my relationships,” he said, his voice steady but reflective. “And the truth is… I have commitment issues. I always have.”

The Private Life of a Public Man

David Muir has been famously private throughout his career. Despite being in the public eye for decades, he’s never shared details about romantic partners, rarely posts personal photos, and avoids red carpets unless absolutely necessary.

Some called it mystery. Others called it professionalism. But according to David, it’s more complicated than that.

“It’s not just about protecting my privacy,” he explained. “It’s about protecting other people from the parts of me that I’m still trying to understand.”

He admitted that behind the perfectly composed anchor persona is a man who struggles with the idea of permanence — not because he doesn’t believe in love, but because he fears what it requires.

“I’ve always been afraid of failing someone,” he said. “So instead of trying and risking that pain, I stay distant. It’s not noble. It’s just self-preservation.”

A Fear Rooted in the Past

David went on to reveal that his issues with commitment stem from childhood. Growing up in a home that looked stable from the outside but was often filled with tension, he learned early on that love didn’t always last — and sometimes, it hurt more than it healed.

“I saw people promise forever and then walk away from it,” he said. “I saw how betrayal can wear a smile. And as a kid, that stays with you.”

He described becoming “hyper-independent” in his teens and twenties, throwing himself into journalism as a safe space where everything was factual, structured, and controllable — the exact opposite of relationships.

“Work became the thing I could commit to without fear,” he said. “I knew what I was getting into with a story. I knew how to chase it, how to build it, how to close it. But with love… I never figured that part out.”

Love Behind the Curtain

While David didn’t confirm or deny whether he’s currently in a relationship, he did admit that there have been people in his life he cared for deeply — and sometimes, hurt unintentionally because of his emotional distance.

“There have been moments when I thought, ‘Maybe this is it. Maybe I can be fully in this,’” he shared. “But then the fear creeps in. And I pull away. And I hate that.”

He paused before adding: “I think I’ve left some good people behind. Not because I didn’t care… but because I didn’t believe I could be what they needed.”

His voice grew softer as he reflected on what that has cost him.

“There are nights I go home, and it’s just silence. No conversation. No laughter. Just the glow of a television. And I wonder if I’ve built a beautiful career on the ruins of something more important.”

Moving Forward, One Step at a Time

Despite his struggles, David says he’s working on himself — with therapy, honest conversations, and a willingness to let go of the fear that’s haunted him for so long.

“I don’t want to keep using ‘commitment issues’ as a shield,” he said. “I want to learn how to show up fully, even if it scares me.”

He also made it clear that while he values privacy, he doesn’t want to hide.

“I may never be the guy who posts anniversary photos on Instagram,” he smiled. “But I’m learning to stop hiding from love — and from myself.”

A Message to His Fans

David ended the interview with a heartfelt message to the millions who’ve watched him all these years:

“I’m not perfect. I’ve spent years chasing truth in the world… but I’m only now learning how to be honest with myself. If you’re out there struggling with the same thing, just know — you’re not alone.”

And with that, the man who has told so many other people’s stories finally began telling his own.