CBS says reports that Patrick Clancy and Dr. Rachel Danis were paid for their 60 Minutes interview are false. The Sept. 20 broadcast was Clancy's first extended public discussion of the deaths of his three children and the unresolved case involving his ex-wife. Clancy and Dr. Danis — married in April 2026 — confirmed they plan to start a family, and Clancy described his advocacy work founding the Heard Foundation to improve perinatal mental-health care.
CBS Denies Paying Patrick Clancy and Dr. Rachel Danis for 60 Minutes Interview
A woman carries a sign to show support for the three murdered children of Lindsay Clancy (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP via Getty Images)
CBS has denied online claims that Patrick Clancy and Dr. Rachel Danis were paid to appear on 60 Minutes, saying the reports were false. The network moved quickly to clarify the matter after the Sept. 20 broadcast, which featured Clancy speaking publicly at length about the deaths of his three children and the unresolved legal case involving his ex-wife, Lindsay Clancy.
Network Clarifies Payment Claims
A CBS News spokesperson told The U.S. Sun on Sept. 22 that reports Patrick or Dr. Danis accepted money for the interview were "false." The outlet confirmed that neither Clancy nor Dr. Danis were paid to appear on the program. The statement came amid social media speculation questioning whether the grieving father had been compensated for speaking publicly for the first time since the trial.
What Patrick Shared on 60 Minutes
Clancy, 36, discussed the January 2023 deaths of his three children — Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months — and the profound toll their loss took on him. He told correspondent Ross Douthat that he still speaks to his children "all the time." When asked what he says to them, Clancy replied:
"Help me. All the time."
He described reaching such a dark place after their deaths that he did not believe he would live to see his 35th birthday. Clancy also spoke about his feelings toward his ex-wife: when asked whether Lindsay had ever asked for his forgiveness, he said, "No. But I gave it to her." He added that he believes compassion and accountability can coexist when mental illness is involved.
Patrick Clancy and Rachel DanisCBS Press
Legal Status
Lindsay Clancy's trial ended in a mistrial on Sept. 4 after her defense argued she suffered from postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek a retrial; the next court hearing was scheduled for Sept. 29.
New Life, Advocacy and Family Plans
Clancy and Dr. Rachel Danis met through a New York running club in January 2024 and, according to reporting by Today, married in Central Park in April 2026. Dr. Danis is a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist. On the broadcast the couple confirmed they are planning to start a family; Clancy said he intends to make sure any future child knows about Cora, Dawson and Callan and that he "can't wait" to tell them about their siblings.
Clancy has also channeled his grief into advocacy. In 2024 he founded the Heard Foundation with his sisters, Erin Donahue and Laura Sullivan, in memory of his three children. The organization focuses on improving perinatal mental-health care and aims to develop specialized treatment resources for parents who need targeted support.
Help Resources
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or facing a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Chat services are also available via the lifeline.
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