Fox News, in announcing Monday that it’s parted ways with Tucker Carlson, is losing a host who brought in millions of viewers but proved too much to handle even for corporate chiefs Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, reports Bloomberg.
Lawyers for Dominion Voting Systems Inc. uncovered evidence that Carlson insulted his management, colleagues and guests. A still unresolved suit by former Fox producer Abby Grossberg accuses the popular host of misogyny and contributing to a hostile workplace. After Fox agreed to settle Dominion’s defamation case for a record $787.5 million, the Murdochs decided it was time to say goodbye to their star.
Lachlan Murdoch, Fox Corp.’s chief executive officer, and Suzanne Scott, who heads Fox News, made the decision Friday night to let Carlson go, according to a person familiar with the situation.
His departure leaves a big hole for Fox News to fill. Fox Corp. shares closed almost 3% lower Monday, a reflection of how much he meant to the business. Other networks have already begun courting Carlson, who was paid more than $10 million a year. He’ll likely be a thorn in Fox’s side, criticizing the channel publicly, much as he did privately.
Chris Ruddy, CEO of the Newsmax TV network, said he “would be interested in having a conversation” with Carlson now that he’s left Fox. The network’s decision “did not make sense” given the viewers he draws.
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