Geraldo Rivera’s departure from Fox News’ The Five has left many fans and media personalities alike scratching their heads, with speculation running rampant about the real reason behind his exit. What seemed like an amicable conclusion to his long tenure on the show has quickly spiraled into a controversy, as Rivera himself revealed shocking details about his time on the program and his strained relationships with co-hosts. So, what happened behind the scenes, and did Geraldo really walk away voluntarily, or was he pushed out?
The Rise and Fall of Geraldo Rivera at Fox News
Geraldo Rivera has been a prominent figure in American media for decades, known for his investigative reporting, his fiery personality, and his willingness to tackle controversial topics. From his early days at ABC to his more recent role at Fox News, Rivera has always been one to stir the pot and keep things interesting, even when his opinions didn’t align with the rest of the network. However, his departure from The Five marks a significant moment in his career, and it has many people wondering whether this was truly his decision or if Fox News decided to part ways with him after his increasingly heated on-air clashes with co-hosts.
The Firing After the Tension With Co-Hosts
While Rivera has been with Fox News for many years, his relationship with his co-hosts on The Five has been fraught with tension for a while. The most notable conflict was with Greg Gutfeld, with whom Rivera frequently clashed on air. The two were known for their passionate debates, but the disagreements escalated to a point where Rivera publicly called Gutfeld an “insulting punk” during one of their heated exchanges. This only added fuel to the fire, and it seemed that their disagreements were no longer just about politics, but had become personal.
Sources close to the situation claim that Rivera’s exit was not as amicable as he made it seem. According to them, Fox News executives had finally had enough of Rivera’s clashes with his co-hosts, particularly his public criticism of Tucker Carlson, which led to a brief suspension. Rivera himself admitted that his relationships on The Five were a reflection of the broader division in the country. He also revealed that after being fired, he made the decision to leave Fox News entirely. However, the sources allege that it was not his decision to leave; instead, he was removed from the show after he started publicly calling out the network.
The Fallout: Personal and Professional
Geraldo’s public remarks after leaving Fox News suggest that this wasn’t just another career move for him. He admitted that the friction with his co-hosts had grown too personal, and at 80 years old, he was no longer willing to tolerate the constant tension. However, there is more to this story. Rivera has spent decades in the media industry, surviving controversy after controversy and bouncing back from each one. But this time, it seems like he finally pushed too far. His criticisms of his colleagues and the network seem to have been the final straw for Fox News executives, leading to his abrupt departure.
Geraldo’s exit comes on the heels of his involvement in several public scandals and controversies, some of which have garnered significant backlash. For example, his comments regarding the tragic death of Trayvon Martin in 2013 and his remarks about The View co-host Michelle Malkin in 2007 were highly controversial. Additionally, his history of public feuds, including with actress Bette Midler and his involvement in heated exchanges with other Fox personalities, has further complicated his reputation. Despite his history of making enemies, Rivera’s time on The Five was a high point in his career, and it is this show’s drama that seems to have led to his departure.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Geraldo Rivera?
Now that Geraldo Rivera has left The Five, questions remain about what’s next for the 80-year-old media personality. Will he remain with Fox News in some other capacity, or will he retire from the public eye altogether? Given Rivera’s unpredictable nature, it’s hard to imagine that he’ll completely fade from the media landscape. Rivera has always been a survivor, and it’s possible he may continue to pursue new ventures, be it through radio shows, guest appearances, or even independent projects.
However, the reality is that Rivera’s public image has taken a hit. His exit from The Five has left a hole in the show’s dynamic, and fans will be curious to see how the network handles his departure in the long run. Will Fox News replace him with a new voice, or will they try to keep the chemistry that he once had with his co-hosts? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Geraldo Rivera’s exit from Fox News has been one of the most dramatic moments in his long career, and it’s far from over.
What do you think about Geraldo Rivera’s departure from The Five? Do you believe he was fired, or did he truly leave voluntarily? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.