Controversial political commentator, Tucker Carlson, is leaving Fox News. The network released a press statement that reads, “FOX News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and, prior to that, as a contributor.” News of Carlson’s departure from Fox News comes on the same day that Don Lemon was fired from CNN. Both of these abrupt media departures come immediately after NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell left the company after the conclusion of an inappropriate conduct allegation. With Tucker Carlson being the highest-rated host at Fox News, the network’s decision to part with the political commentator is shocking for many viewers.
Why is Tucker Carlson Leaving Fox News?
CNN lays out numerous controversies that have surrounded Tucker Carlson. The political commentator’s departure from Fox News comes days after the network agreed to pay $800 million to Dominion Voting Systems to prevent a defamation trial, as the network continually allowed guests such as Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani to promote theories that Dominion rigged the 2020 election in favor of Joe Biden. However, Dominion got its hand on a group text Carlson shared between fellow Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham and many other messages related to the 2020 election. In those messages, Carlson admitted to hating former President Trump and criticized the baseless conspiracy theories supported by election-denying attorneys. This contrasted heavily with his on-air persona.
Carlson is also being sued by former Fox News producer Abby Grossman who has numerous allegations regarding Carlson. Among those allegations is misogynistic language in the workplace.
Carlson was also accused of spreading misinformation about the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021.
Sources tell the Los Angeles Times that Carlson’s departure was a firing rather than a mutual agreement. While neither Fox News nor the political commentator has responded to this claim, the final airing of Tucker Carlson Tonight, which aired on April 21st, ended with Carlson cheerfully saying he would be back on Monday. No indication of an impending departure from the network was suggested.