Fox News unexpectedly declared on Monday morning that they had reached a mutual decision to part ways with their well-known prime-time anchor, Tucker Carlson.
Fox News released a statement on Monday saying, “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. Mr. Carlson’s last program was Friday, April 21st. Fox News Tonight will air live at 8 PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating FOX News personalities until a new host is named.”
Although no explanation was provided, CNBC observed that “The decision was made shortly after Fox News’ parent company settled the defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million.”
In March 2021, Dominion Voting Systems sued the cable news corporation, alleging that it had deliberately broadcasted inaccurate claims stating that Dominion had assisted in manipulating the 2020 presidential election against former President Donald Trump.
The corporation listed 20 specific broadcasts, which they claimed were defamatory, including an episode of Tucker Carlson’s show on January 26, 2021, featuring My Pillow founder Mike Lindell.
Just prior to the commencement of opening statements in Delaware state court last week, Dominion and Fox News reached their settlement agreement.
During a conversation with his staff at the beginning of January 2021, Carlson wrote, “We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly can’t wait. I hate him passionately.”
After the January 6 incident, Carlson referred to the former president as “a demonic force, a destroyer” in a text message he sent to his producer.
When these messages were exposed to the public in late March, Carlson spoke with WABC and stated that Trump had contacted him “wounded about those texts.” Carlson added, “I love Trump, like as a person. I think Trump is funny and insightful.”
It remains unknown where Tucker Carlson will end up next, but his value as Fox News’ primary attraction cannot be understated. He consistently outperformed his competitors in the ratings and was a major player in shaping public discourse, frequently provoking strong reactions from his critics.
I totally forgot about this program Tucker Carlson did on Bill Gates. pic.twitter.com/jA3EBIpahk
— Erin Elizabeth Health Nut News 🙌 (@unhealthytruth) April 25, 2023