Tucker Carlson, one of the most popular and controversial hosts on television, has been abruptly fired by Fox News. The firing was reportedly ordered by Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A brief statement from Fox News Media said the network and Carlson “have agreed to part ways,” effective immediately. A reason for his departure was not disclosed by the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” the statement said. Fox Corporation shares dropped nearly 5% in response to the news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carlson’s show on Friday gave no indication that he was potentially leaving the network. “We’ll be back on Monday,” Carlson told viewers at the end of his regular show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Los Angeles Times, citing people familiar with the situation, reported that Carlson’s firing was ordered by Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The newspaper reported that the firing is related to a discrimination lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg, who says she was bullied and subjected to sexist and antisemitic comments while working as head of booking for ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carlson’s comments about Fox management, which were revealed as part of Dominion’s lawsuit, also played a role in his firing, according to the Washington Post. Murdoch was also concerned about his coverage relating to January 6, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is just classic Murdoch assassination – you\u2019re their closest friend, their favorite child and now you\u2019re dead,” a source close to Fox leadership told Semafor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787.5 million to settle a defamation lawsuit over the network’s false claims about the 2020 presidential election. However, the terms of the settlement do not include Carlson’s firing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tucker Carlson was the host of Fox News Channel’s flagship primetime cable news program, Tucker Carlson Tonight, which aired weekdays at 8 p.m. ET. It was one of the most-watched shows on cable television.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘Fox News Tonight’ will replace Carlson as an interim show helmed by rotating Fox News personalities until a new host is found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATCH: Fox News announcing the departure of Tucker Carlson pic.twitter.com\/055y5y5xYI<\/a><\/p>\u2014 BNO News Live (@BNODesk) April 24, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>