From an insider: "The really big question that many are asking inside CNBC is based on this paragraph from the WSJ story on Maria:"

"One flash point was a business trip in November. Mr. Thomson arranged for Ms. Bartiromo to speak to Citigroup's private-banking clients at luncheons in Hong Kong and Shanghai... Kevin Goldman, a CNBC spokesman, says: "She asked permission from CNBC. She received it..."

The e-mailer asks: "Why did CNBC grant permission for Maria to speak to Citigroup's private-banking clients in the first place? That is clearly a conflict of interest...she reports on the company! Why should CNBC's biggest star be doing a dog and pony show for Citigroup's wealthiest clients??"