Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News in April 2023 primarily due to a combination of escalating internal concerns and controversies. Key reasons included his promotion of extreme and racially charged views off-air and on his show, such as conspiracy theories like the "great replacement theory." Private messages revealed during lawsuits showed Carlson genuinely believed in these controversial ideas, fueling fears among Fox executives that he had become a liability rather than an asset. Additionally, his firing was influenced by a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Fox producer alleging bullying and antisemitic comments on Carlson's show. Fox leadership, including Lachlan Murdoch and CEO Suzanne Scott, decided Carlson's behavior and public controversies jeopardized the network’s future. The decision was reportedly also tied to liability concerns in lawsuits including a $787 million defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. Carlson’s firing was described as a move to protect Fox News from further reputational damage and legal risks, despite his significant audience and influence within the Republican base.
In summary, Carlson was fired for creating legal, reputational, and internal risks through his off-camera beliefs and on-air rhetoric, which led Fox News leadership to conclude he was more of a liability than an asset.
