The network Fox News and its prime-time anchor Tucker Carlson have mutually decided to end their relationship after more than ten years, the network said on Monday.
“Tucker Carlson and FOX News Media have mutually decided to separate ways. The US broadcaster said, “We appreciate him for his contribution to the network as a presenter and before that as a contributor. Carlson aired his final show last Friday.
Fox expressed gratitude to Carlson “for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.”
Neither Fox nor Carlson have offered an explanation for the break-up. The network did say that last Friday’s episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight will be the last, and that a newscast will be aired in its stead starting Monday evening.
Carlson had given no hints of the show ending last week, announcing instead a new season of his documentary series for Fox, titled Tucker Carlson Originals. On Friday, he gave a keynote speech at the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, again not mentioning anything about parting ways with Fox.
In the absence of an official explanation, there has been widespread speculation that the break-up might be related to a recent lawsuit against Fox by Dominion Voting Systems. The company had sued the network for defamation in a Delaware court, alleging that Fox hosts had promoted “baseless” claims by former president Donald Trump about the 2020 election. Fox settled the lawsuit for $787.5 million last week.
