Tucker Clarson, whose “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” remained one of the top rater programs of Fox News, has parted ways with the network after it reached a settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation lawsuit. The conservative host wasn’t allowed to release a statement following his departure. Fox too didn’t comment beyond the release.
Tucker Carlson Leaves Fox News, Gets No Farewell
Fox News’ longtime host, Tucker Carlson, known for his staunch conservative views, has finally parted ways with the network after it reached a settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation lawsuit. If you aren’t aware, the renowned company produces and sells electronic voting hardware and software in Canada and the United States.
The news of the conservative political commentator’s departure came days after Fox News’ parent company settled the infamous defamation lawsuit for a whopping $787.5 million. It is reported that the company’s hosts weren’t required to talk about the lawsuit or make an apology for it.
Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner: “We want to thank Tucker Carlson for his service to the network.” pic.twitter.com/ICfpPjAkbJ
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 24, 2023
Fox News didn’t comment beyond its release about Tucker’s departure. “Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” Fox’s statement said. “We thank him for his service to the network as a host and before that as a contributor.” The 53-year-old former host was among the Fox hosts and executives who came under the radar for the Dominion lawsuit.
Before Carlson left Fox, he had taken over Bill O’Reilly’s prime time slot back in 2017. The controversial host was accused of sexual harassment by several co-workers on the network. He has continued to deny such allegations.
The former host has remained a top promoter of conspiracy theories. During his time with Fox, Carlson continued to show seeds of doubt about the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Apart from this, he also promoted conspiracy theories revolving around the Covid-19 vaccines and elevated white nationalists.
He is a vocal critic of immigration and progressivism. He has been often described by several networks and publications as a “right-wing extremist” and a staunch “nationalist”. Time magazine described him as “one of the most powerful conservatives”. Carlson was previously accused of his false and misleading statements about the January 6 Capitol attack.
About The Dominion Voting Systems Defamation Case
If you may be aware, Dominion Voting Systems Vs. Fox News created a buzz on a global level. The company previously filed a lawsuit, claiming that they were falsely accused of swaying the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
In the defamation lawsuit, Dominion argued that Fox News and its sister network Fox Business “intentionally and falsely” blamed the company for the loss of President Donald Trump, and helped Biden win the elections. Fox, on the other hand, argued, that its hosts’ statements were protected by the First Amendment.
After the settlement, Dominion CEO John Poulos called the settlement “historic” as he stood outside the court. “Fox has admitted to telling lies about Dominion that caused enormous damage to my company, our employees, and the customers that we serve,” Poulos continued.
“Nothing can ever make up for that. Throughout this process, we have sought accountability and believed the evidence brought to light through this case underscored the consequences of spreading lies. Truthful reporting in the media is essential to our democracy,” he added in the statement.
Fox, as a hardcore conservative and political news commentary channel, faces one more defamation lawsuit by another voting machine company, Smartmatic over the 2020 elections.
The network has several other pending defamation lawsuits against One America News Network, My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, attorney Sidney Powell and many more.
Fox’s Decision Ignites Online War Between Conservatives & Democrats
Confirmed: Tucker Carlson out at Fox News. OMG.
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) April 24, 2023
Since the announcement of Carlson’s departure came, several conservatives have come forward to showcase support for the former host. While Democrats celebrated the settlement victory, conservatives have condemned the decision.
I’d like to think Tucker Carlson’s departure is the end of an era, but I’m quite certain it’s the beginning of his political career.
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) April 24, 2023
Donald Trump’s son tweeted: “Confirmed: Tucker Carlson out at Fox News. OMG.” The founder of gun control advocacy group Moms Demand Action, Shannon Watts wrote, “I’d like to think Tucker Carlson’s departure is the end of an era, but I’m quite certain it’s the beginning of his political career.” Carlson has vehemently opposed gun control and the assault weapons ban.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 24, 2023
On the other hand, Democrats fired back by calling his show “racist and inaccurate”. “Wow,” tweeted the New York Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who accused Carlson and other Fox hosts of inciting violence during an MSNBC interview.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the head of the Anti-Defamation League, applauded Fox News, by stating that it is “about time” and that “for far too long, Tucker Carlson has used his primetime show to “spew antisemitic, racist, xenophobic and anti-LGBTQ hate to millions.”
Apart from Carlson, other hosts who were deposed and formed part of the evidence in the now-settled defamation lawsuit included, Jeanine Pirro, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo, and former host Lou Dobbs. No reason has been provided for Carlson’s departure, but we all know that Fox is guilty as charged.
