Fox News fired Tucker Carlson in April 2023 due to multiple escalating concerns. Key reasons included:
- Carlson's growing influence combined with the discovery that his extreme off-air beliefs matched the provocative and controversial content he broadcast, including conspiracy theories like the "great replacement theory" and racially charged statements. Private messages revealed he genuinely held such views, alarming Fox executives.
- A particularly troubling text message from Carlson with racially insensitive remarks surfaced shortly before the Dominion Voting Systems defamation lawsuit trial, causing Fox's board to fear reputational harm and legal liability.
- Carlson's ongoing controversies and erratic behavior led Fox leadership, under Lachlan Murdoch, to conclude he had shifted from being an asset to a liability.
- The firing also related to workplace issues, including a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Fox producer who alleged bullying and antisemitic comments on Carlson's show.
- While his role in the Dominion lawsuit was limited, Fox's $787 million settlement and the wider impact of Carlson's content likely influenced the decision.
Despite Carlson being Fox's highest-rated host and having significant sway over the Republican base, Fox decided his removal was necessary to protect the network’s future and distance itself from the controversies he generated.
