Alleged Insider Talks About Carlson's Reaction To Network's Announcement
It's the news that has everyone talking: Tucker Carlson, host of the popular Fox News show Tucker Carlson Tonight, has been fired, or at least, "parted ways" with the network. But according to reports, it came as a surprise to Carlson.
"He was totally surprised," a source told Mediaite. "He had no idea."
It's not clear exactly why Carlson was let go, but it's likely related to a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former producer. The Los Angeles Times reported that the firing was initiated by Fox Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch and other executives. And it was a shock to Fox staffers, who had no idea this was coming.
"It hit like a bomb inside the network," Mediaite reported.
Carlson has not commented on the split, and Fox's statement said the two parties had "agreed to part ways," but Carlson's last program seemed to suggest he had no idea it was coming.
"We'll be back on Monday," he told viewers.
It's a shock to Fox News fans, who have grown accustomed to Carlson's isolationist national policy, often questioning the US's aid to Ukraine and taking on the establishment. His show was often the highest-rated cable news show.
But even though his departure from Fox News is unexpected, it might be for the best. Carlson has never been one to shy away from controversy and it's likely he wanted more freedom than he could get on the network.
This was Tucker Carlson Tonight’s last moment.
Eating pizza with the hero delivery man who stopped a car jacker.
I can’t think of a better way for the greatest cable news show in history to end.
pic.twitter.com/cfzNZ6QY4l— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 24, 2023
And with his own show, he'll have the opportunity to take on issues more boldly, without the restrictions of a major network.
"He's probably better off on his own," said one source, who noted that Carlson's voice "will still be heard and he will still be influential."
In the end, it's Carlson's viewers who will decide whether leaving Fox News was a smart move for the controversial commentator. But for now, it seems that Carlson's taking a chance and going it alone. As he said on his last Fox show, "We'll be back on Monday." We'll just have to wait and see where that is.