WASHINGTON: Fox News Media has announced the departure of its top-rated host Tucker Carlson, in the wake of a $787.5 million defamation settlement made by parent company Fox Corp.
Carlson, who presents “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” is also facing legal action from a former Jewish producer who has accused senior staff of promoting an office culture that was rife with antisemitism and sexism. Abby Grossberg, the former producer, also claims that she was coerced by Fox to give false testimony in the Dominion case.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the decision to part ways with Carlson came directly from Fox Corporation Chairman Rupert Murdoch, and was primarily due to the Grossberg lawsuit, as well as Carlson’s controversial commentary on issues such as the January 6, 2021, attempted insurrection at the US Capitol.
Carlson’s departure has caused a stir, as his show had been the highest-rated cable news program in the key 25-to-54 age demographic on the most-watched US cable news network.
Dominion Voting Systems had sued Fox News Media over its coverage of debunked election-fraud claims about the voting technology firm. Carlson was accused of allowing the claims to air on his show, while casting doubts on their plausibility in private messages that emerged in legal filings. Carlson is also central to additional legal battles facing Fox, including the Grossberg lawsuit.
In response to Grossberg’s accusations of rampant sexism and misogyny at Fox, the company fired her, claiming her legal claims were “riddled with false allegations against Fox and our employees.” Following the announcement of Carlson’s departure, shares of Fox closed 2.9% lower on Monday. Carlson’s departure marks a significant shift for the network, as it seeks to rebuild its reputation after a series of high-profile legal battles and controversies.
