why was tucker fired

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Nature

Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News in April 2023 due to several escalating concerns. Key reasons included his increasingly extreme off-air views revealed through private messages, which mirrored the controversial and provocative content of his show. This included promotion of conspiracy theories like the "great replacement theory" and racially charged statements, which alarmed Fox executives. A particularly troubling text message with racially insensitive remarks shortly before the Dominion Voting Systems trial became a tipping point for the network's board. They feared such messages might be disclosed publicly, causing irreparable damage amid ongoing litigation. Additionally, Carlson's conduct and growing controversies made him a liability rather than an asset, despite his strong audience following. Also significant was the impact of a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Fox producer who alleged bullying and antisemitic comments on Carlson's show, which added to the pressure on Fox's leadership to cut ties with him. Rupert Murdoch and Fox's executive team decided Carlson's removal was essential for protecting the network's future and distancing Fox from the controversies he incited. Though Carlson was a major ratings driver, his erratic behavior and private conduct ultimately led to his firing.