![]() ![]() time slot will be filled by rotating hosts. The network said that, for now, Carlson’s 8 p.m. It’s unlikely, however, that Fox News will stray too far from the right-wing talk that its loyal audience tunes in nightly for. There’s “a lot of relief generally, surprise they had the nerve to do it, and hope for a culture change,” one employee explained. Inside Fox News, some of Carlson’s internal critics rejoiced upon learning the news, people inside the network told CNN. Jonathan Greenblatt, the head of the Anti-Defamation League, praised Fox News’ decision, saying it is “about time” and that “for far too long,” Carlson has “used his primetime show to spew antisemitic, racist, xenophobic and anti-LGBTQ hate to millions.” Not only did he repeatedly sow doubt about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, but he also promoted conspiracy theories about the Covid-19 vaccines and elevated white nationalist talking points. Republican lawmakers groveled at his feet and former President Donald Trump granted him the first interview earlier this month after his arraignment in New York.Ĭarlson propelled himself to stardom in recent years by being a top promoter of conspiracy theories and radical rhetoric. A lawsuit filed in March by his now-fired top booker, Abby Grossberg, also included a number of allegations of sexism on his show.ĭuring his time as a prime time host on Fox News, Carlson ascended to become one of the most influential figures inside the GOP. The lawsuit had exposed Carlson disparaging colleagues. The announcement came one week after Fox News settled a monster defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million over the network’s dissemination of election lies. The decision to part ways with Carlson was made Friday evening by Fox Corporation chief executive Lachlan Murdoch and Fox News chief executive Suzanne Scott, a person familiar with the matter said.Ĭarlson was informed of the decision on Monday morning, a second person familiar with the matter said. “We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” Fox News said in a short statement that did not offer an explanation for his ouster, adding only that his last show was on Friday, April 21.Ĭarlson, the highest-rated single host at Fox News, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Fox and Dominion settled the lawsuit out of court last week for $787.5 million.Fox News and Tucker Carlson, the right-wing extremist who used his prime time perch at the talk network to exert a firm grip over the Republican Party, have severed ties, the network said in a stunning announcement that rocked the media and political worlds Monday. A reason for the departure was not given, but Carlson was expected to play a major role in a defamation trial in a case Dominion Voting Systems filed against the network-in part over allegations Carlson and other hosts recklessly promoted false conspiracy theories about the company being involved in election fraud. Tangentįormer President Donald Trump-whom Lemon regularly criticized-applauded CNN’s move as “good news,” labeling Lemon the “dumbest man on television.” Surprising Factįox News unexpectedly announced late Monday morning it had “agreed to part ways” with Carlson-the unabashedly conservative host who anchored the second-highest-rated cable news program last year. Lemon at one point allegedly ripped up notes and pictures on Phillips’ desk after she was chosen over him for an assignment in Iraq, according to Variety, before he later sent her threatening text messages. Variety reported earlier this month that Lemon had a history of verbally attacking or insulting former female colleagues like Soledad O’Brien, Nancy Grace and Kyra Phillips. Lemon was suspended in February after claiming Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley-who is 51 years old-“isn’t in her prime,” weeks after he irked his co-hosts by claiming female soccer players make less money than their male counterparts do because men’s soccer is “more interesting to watch.” The New York Post also reported that Lemon allegedly “screamed” at Collins in December while accusing her of “interrupting” him during broadcasts. Lemon repeatedly said his move from prime time to the early morning was not a “demotion”-insisting the creation of a successful morning show was Licht’s “biggest priority.” But Lemon’s time on the show was marked by a series of controversial comments he made about women and reported tensions with his two female co-hosts. He hosted his own prime-time show, Don Lemon Tonight, between 20, before he was moved to co-host a new morning show as part of a well-publicized network restructuring under CEO Chris Licht. Lemon was long one of the most recognizable figures at CNN.
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