Many people are curious about why Fox News fired Tucker Carlson, one of its most prominent hosts, despite his significant influence on the network. His departure has sparked widespread speculation, especially considering his controversial content and impact on Fox’s audience. Carlson’s firing has raised questions about the internal dynamics at Fox and the reasons behind this dramatic decision.
So, why did Fox News fire Tucker Carlson? Those interested in the details of his dismissal and the events leading up to it can find all the information here.
Why did Fox News fire Tucker Carlson?
Fox News fired Tucker Carlson in April 2023 due to a series of escalating issues. His growing influence and the discovery of his extreme off-air beliefs, which mirrored the rhetoric he promoted on his show, contributed to his dismissal.
Carlson frequently promoted controversial content on Fox, including conspiracy theories like the “great replacement theory” and racially charged remarks. Private text messages revealed during the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit showed that Carlson genuinely held these beliefs. This discovery alarmed Fox executives, as it confirmed he wasn’t merely playing a role on TV (via Vanity Fair).
According to Brian Stelter’s book Network of Lies, Carlson’s sense of invincibility and toxic behavior contributed to his downfall. The final straw for Fox’s leadership was a disturbing text message from Carlson, which surfaced just before the Dominion trial. In this message, Carlson expressed support for violence against an “Antifa kid” and made racially charged comments.
This text triggered panic among Fox’s board, who feared it could become public and cause irreparable damage during the trial. The message, combined with Carlson’s growing internal and external controversies, led the company to conclude that he had become more of a liability than an asset.
The decision to fire Carlson was not made lightly. Despite his massive viewership and influence over the GOP base, Fox executives, led by Lachlan Murdoch, decided Carlson had become a liability. They concluded that removing him was necessary to protect the network’s future. Carlson’s dismissal was also a move to distance Fox from the controversies he had fueled, especially following the $787.5 million settlement with Dominion (via The Guardian).
However, Stelter’s book reveals that Carlson’s firing did not directly result from the Dominion settlement. The belief that his departure was a condition of the deal lacks support. Carlson reportedly thought he was irreplaceable and had significant influence over the GOP base. However, his actions led Fox’s leadership, particularly Lachlan Murdoch, to view him as more of a liability than an asset.
While Carlson was once seen as irreplaceable, his behavior became increasingly erratic and harmful. This led Fox News to part ways with its most controversial star.
