The Shocking Departures from Fox News: A Deep Dive into Fallen Stars

In the world of cable news, careers can skyrocket one moment, only to come crashing down the next. Fox News, known for its powerful lineup of anchors and personalities, has witnessed more than a few stunning exits over the years, each one leaving viewers, media critics, and social media buzzing. From controversial comments to behind-the-scenes scandals, the reasons behind these sudden departures paint a picture of a cutthroat industry where nothing is guaranteed.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on some of the most shocking and dramatic exits in Fox News history. These aren’t just job losses; they’re cautionary tales of how quickly the mighty can fall.

Tucker Carlson: A Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall

Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News in April 2023 sent shockwaves through the media landscape. Carlson, who joined Fox News in 2009, became a household name when his show Tucker Carlson Tonight skyrocketed to the top of cable news ratings in 2016. Known for his provocative style and willingness to push boundaries, Carlson’s show was a ratings powerhouse. However, his tenure was marked by numerous controversies, including accusations of promoting white nationalist rhetoric and spreading misinformation about key events like COVID-19 and the 2020 election.

The timing of his departure, shortly after Fox’s $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, led to speculation about the real reasons behind his exit. Was it the result of mounting pressure from lawsuits, or was it part of Fox’s effort to clean up its image? Either way, Carlson’s abrupt exit left a massive void in Fox’s primetime lineup and set the stage for a new chapter at the network.

Bill O’Reilly: The King of Cable Falls from Grace

For over two decades, Bill O’Reilly was the undisputed king of cable news. His show The O’Reilly Factor dominated ratings and made him one of the most influential figures in conservative media. However, O’Reilly’s career was marred by allegations of sexual harassment, which culminated in a massive scandal in 2017. The New York Times revealed that O’Reilly and Fox News had settled multiple harassment claims for a combined $13 million. The subsequent advertiser exodus and the mounting public backlash forced Fox News to sever ties with O’Reilly, marking the end of an era for the network.

O’Reilly’s departure was a turning point for Fox News, highlighting the growing power of the #MeToo movement and the network’s need to reckon with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Roger Ailes: The Fall of the Fox News Kingpin

Roger Ailes, the founding CEO of Fox News, built the network into a conservative media powerhouse. Under his leadership, Fox became a dominant force in cable news, shaping Republican politics and media discourse for decades. But in 2016, Ailes’ career came crashing down after former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. This lawsuit opened the floodgates, with multiple women—including Megyn Kelly—coming forward with similar allegations. Ailes resigned under intense pressure, leaving the network with a tarnished reputation.

His departure exposed a toxic culture of sexism and harassment at Fox News, leading to several high-profile exits and settlements. Ailes’ legacy is now forever tied to the scandal that marked his dramatic downfall.

Megyn Kelly: A Shocking Exit from Fox News

Megyn Kelly’s departure from Fox News in 2017 was less scandalous than others, but it was still significant. Kelly had become a star at Fox, with The Kelly File becoming one of the most-watched shows on cable news. Her clash with Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primary and her tough interviewing style solidified her place as a formidable political journalist. But in January 2017, Kelly shocked the media world by announcing she was leaving Fox for NBC News.

Her tenure at NBC was less successful, marked by controversial comments about blackface and a failure to establish a consistent presence. Kelly’s story is a cautionary tale of the risks involved when transitioning between networks and the challenges of becoming the story rather than reporting it.

Glenn Beck: Conspiracy Theories and Departures

Glenn Beck’s rise at Fox News was meteoric, but his fall was equally swift. Beck joined Fox in 2009 after his departure from CNN Headline News and quickly became a ratings hit with his unique blend of emotional commentary and conspiracy theories. However, Beck’s increasingly extreme rhetoric, including calling President Obama a “racist” and promoting unfounded conspiracy theories, led to advertiser boycotts and growing concern among Fox executives.

In 2011, Fox announced that Beck would be “transitioning off” his daily program, a decision that was reportedly influenced by the network’s desire to distance itself from his controversial views. Beck’s departure marked the delicate balancing act Fox News faces between provocative commentary and maintaining credibility.

Ed Henry: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Lead to Firing

Ed Henry’s exit from Fox News in 2020 came amid serious allegations of sexual harassment. Henry, who had been with Fox since 2011 and served as the network’s chief White House correspondent, was a rising star at the network. But his career came to a crashing halt after a 2020 lawsuit accused him of sexual misconduct. Fox News acted swiftly, firing Henry and making a public statement about their commitment to maintaining a respectful work environment.

Henry’s exit highlighted the ongoing struggles at Fox News to address workplace misconduct and the importance of accountability for employees in high-profile positions.

Eric Bolling: Allegations of Harassment and Swift Action

Eric Bolling’s career at Fox News was also marred by allegations of sexual harassment. Bolling, a financial commentator and co-host of The Five, was accused of sending unsolicited lewd photos to female colleagues. These allegations, combined with the network’s recent history of harassment scandals, led to Fox suspending Bolling and eventually parting ways with him in 2017.

Bolling’s departure was another example of how Fox News had become more sensitive to allegations of sexual harassment in the wake of the Ailes and O’Reilly scandals, marking a shift in the network’s handling of misconduct.

Jeanine Pirro: Controversial Remarks Lead to Suspension

Jeanine Pirro’s time at Fox News came to a head in 2019 when she was suspended for making controversial comments about Representative Ilhan Omar. Pirro, known for her fiery conservative commentary, suggested that Omar’s hijab was a sign of adherence to Sharia law, a statement that many considered bigoted. Fox News issued a rare public rebuke, and Pirro was suspended for two weeks. Though she later returned to the air, her suspension marked a pivotal moment in Fox News’ struggle to balance provocative commentary with journalistic standards.

Shepard Smith: A Voice of Dissent Leaves Fox News

Shepard Smith’s departure from Fox News in 2019 was a significant loss for the network, as Smith was one of the few voices willing to challenge the more opinion-based programming that dominated Fox’s lineup. Smith often found himself at odds with opinion hosts like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, especially during the Trump administration. His departure raised questions about Fox News’ commitment to straight news reporting and highlighted the growing divide within the network.

Melissa Francis: A Sudden Firing and Legal Battle

Melissa Francis’s departure from Fox News in 2020 was particularly jarring, as it was marked by a legal dispute over pay equity. Francis, who had been a co-host on Outnumbered and a prominent anchor at Fox Business, filed a gender-based pay discrimination lawsuit against the network. In a shocking turn of events, she learned of her firing through her teleprompter just before going on air. This abrupt and impersonal firing sparked controversy and highlighted concerns about Fox News’ handling of pay equity and employee relations.

Geraldo Rivera: A Moderate Voice Departing Fox News

Geraldo Rivera’s departure in 2023 marked the end of a 22-year tenure at Fox News. Known for his more moderate stance, Rivera often found himself at odds with the network’s increasingly conservative lineup. His willingness to challenge right-wing narratives, particularly on issues like immigration and the Trump administration, put him at odds with his colleagues. Rivera’s exit highlighted the network’s shift toward a more uniformly conservative outlook.

Kimberly Guilfoyle: A Scandal-Filled Exit

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s sudden departure in 2018 came amid allegations of inappropriate behavior, including showing colleagues explicit photos and discussing sexual matters at work. While Guilfoyle denied the allegations, the investigation into her behavior led to her exit from the network. Her departure raised questions about Fox News’ workplace culture and how the network handled allegations of misconduct.

Conclusion: The Mighty Can Fall Fast

The departures of these once-prominent Fox News personalities highlight the volatile nature of cable news careers. Whether it’s scandal, controversial remarks, or workplace misconduct, the rise and fall of these media stars serves as a cautionary tale for anyone in the industry. What do you think about these shocking exits? Let us know in the comments below!