NEW YORK, USA – Fox News announced on Monday, April 24, 2023 that it is parting ways with Tucker Carlson, its most popular prime-time host and a source of controversy for the network due to his contentious statements on topics ranging from race relations to LGBTQ rights.
The announcement comes less than a week after Fox News agreed to pay $787.5 million in a defamation lawsuit, in which Mr. Carlson’s show played a significant role in spreading misinformation following the 2020 election.
In a succinct statement, the network expressed its appreciation for Carlson’s contributions, stating, “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.” Carlson’s final show aired on Friday.
Carlson is currently facing another legal challenge from former Fox News producer Abby Grossberg. In a lawsuit filed in March, Ms. Grossberg alleges that Carlson presided over a misogynistic and discriminatory workplace culture. She claims to have discovered large images of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a swimsuit on her first day working for Carlson’s show.
Grossberg, who was fired after filing the lawsuit, also contends that Fox News lawyers coerced her into providing a misleading deposition in the Dominion trial and defending an offensive text from Carlson. Following this event, Carlson’s producers reportedly emailed the staff to acknowledge “Abby Day” and suggested ordering a staff lunch in celebration.
Fox News has refuted Grossberg’s allegations, with a spokeswoman stating, “We will continue to vigorously defend Fox against Ms. Grossberg’s unmeritorious legal claims, which are riddled with false allegations against Fox and our employees.”
Carlson, 53, has hosted “Tucker Carlson Tonight” since 2016. In 2021, he signed a new deal with Fox News, which expanded his presence into podcasts and a series called “Tucker Carlson Originals” on the streaming service Fox Nation.
