Tucker Carlson reportedly offered a new job by Russian state media, Russia Today

Carlson’s show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, has been frequently featured on Russian state television, with pro-Kremlin propagandists often using him to criticize the West and the US’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine.

Fox News confirmed that Carlson’s Friday broadcast was his final appearance on the network.

Rupert Murdoch, the Chairman of Fox Corp., was purportedly responsible for the decision to fire Carlson.

Fox News Media released a succinct statement, announcing that the network and Carlson have mutually agreed to end their association immediately.

The cause for Carlson’s departure has not been revealed by the network.

According to the statement released by Fox News Media, the network expressed gratitude to Tucker Carlson for his contributions as a host and a former contributor.

The news of Carlson’s departure was met with a negative response in the stock market, with Fox Corporation shares dropping almost 5%.

During his Friday show, there was no hint given that Carlson would potentially be leaving the network.

As he concluded his regular show, he informed viewers that he would be back on Monday. Citing individuals familiar with the matter, The Los Angeles Times reported that Rupert Murdoch, the Chairman of Fox Corp., was responsible for directing Carlson’s termination.

Abby Grossberg, the former head of booking for ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight,’ filed a discrimination lawsuit alleging that she experienced bullying and faced sexist and antisemitic remarks. According to the newspaper, Carlson’s termination is linked to this lawsuit.

In addition, Rupert Murdoch was purportedly uneasy about Carlson’s coverage of the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection, during which Carlson aired a series of conspiracy theories. A source in the Fox leadership team shared with Semafor that this is a typical example of Murdoch’s approach to taking down those who were previously his favorites. “You’re their closest friend, their favorite child, and now you’re dead,” the source stated.

Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million last week, but it did not involve Tucker Carlson’s dismissal. Carlson, the host of Tucker Carlson Tonight, which aired on Fox News Channel’s prime-time slot, was extremely popular and had a large audience. The network will temporarily replace Carlson with Fox News Tonight, featuring various Fox News personalities, until a new host is selected.