Hannity To Media: What You've Heard Is Not True

Sean Hannity

Fox News host Sean Hannity used his program Monday night to address rumors he may be looking to leave due to the exit of network co-president Bill Shine.

Speaking at the end of his program, Hannity said "by the way, thank you to all our friends in the media that were tuning in tonight, maybe for the first time. And all the lies you've heard about me are not true."

Earlier in the day, The Daily Beast, citing confidential sources, said Hannity was looking to leave Fox. The report claimed Hannity was in talks to end his show quickly, with a final appearance coming as soon as this week.

According to al.com, Fox also issued a statement saying the rumors were not true.

The reports came after the Monday announcement that Fox News co-president Bill Shine would leave the company. Shine was an ally of former Fox chief Roger Ailes, who retired last year over claims he sexually harassed female employees. Shine also was accused of enabling ousted Fox host Bill O'Reilly, who was fired earlier this month after reports that as much as $13 million had been paid to women who claimed "The O'Reilly Factor" host sexually harassed them.

The network had been under increasing pressure to rid itself of Shine, but Hannity remained loyal. Last week, he warned via Twitter that firing Shine would be the "total end of (Fox News Channel) as we know it. Done." He added the hashtag #IStandWithShine.