Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly has condemned the network’s decision to fire Tucker Carlson, describing it as “a terrible move,” as Carlson’s stand-in praised his “great friend.”
Carlson, 53, is said to have been baffled by CEO Suzanne Scott’s Monday morning call telling him he was being taken off the air.
Kelly, who left the network in 2017 after 13 years, said losing their most-watched host was a bad decision.
“This is a terrible move by Fox, and it’s great for Tucker Carlson,” Kelly said on her Sirius XM podcast.
“I don’t know what prompted Fox News to make this decision, and obviously it was Fox News’ decision, because they’re not letting him say goodbye. That’s my assumption. That’s not foreknowledge.’
Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, who now has her own podcast, condemned the decision to fire Tucker Carlson
Brian Kilmeade filled in for Carlson on Monday night. A rotating cast of hosts will fill in until a permanent replacement is found
The move swept $500 million from the value of its parent company, News Corporation, and pushed its stock price 5.4 percent.
She added, “I think this is a huge mistake. I think this is a huge misjudgment of what their audience wants.”
Carlson was immediately taken off the air and replaced by Brian Kilmeade on Monday night.
“Hello everyone, and welcome to Fox News tonight,” Kilmeade said.
As you’ve probably heard, Fox News and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways.
“I wish Tucker the best. I’m good friends with Tucker and always will be.’
Carlson was reportedly not told why he was fired.
Some speculated it was his part in the Dominion voting systems lawsuit, in which Fox settled for $787.5 million.
Private messages revealed that Carlson “passionately” hates Donald Trump, making things uncomfortable for the conservative network and the likely Republican presidential nominee. In the posts, Carlson also attacked Fox’s leadership, which the Wall Street Journal, owned by Rupert Murdoch, said was a major factor in his firing.
Tucker Carlson, 53, was fired by Fox News on Monday. He was not given a reason for his impeachment, but was reportedly told it was a decision made ‘from above’
Rupert Murdoch, seen in November 2019, is considering selling Fox News, sources told DailyMail.com, and felt the network was more attractive to buyers without Carlson
Some said Murdoch had had enough of the drama. Sources said Murdoch wanted to sell Fox News, and it was seen as more marketable without his brand cancer.
Another crucial factor would be a harassment and discrimination suit brought by Carlson’s former booking producer.
Kelly said she did not believe the Dominion case played a role in Carlson’s firing.
She pointed out that he was less outspoken in his support for claims that the election was stolen, and declined to book Sidney Powell, Trump’s lawyer and the most outspoken proponent of the Dominion conspiracy theory.
Kelly said she wasn’t afraid of Carlson’s future, saying she expected him to start his own media company and “crush it”
Kelly said Rupert Murdoch made enough confessions during his deposition to sink the company at trial without Tucker’s help. Why would they want Tucker’s scalp? They would like Maria’s scalp. They would like Jeanine Pirro’s scalp. They’d like Suzanne Scott’s scalp.”
She predicted that Carlson would set up his own media company and “crush” it.
“This is going to be great for Tucker. I’m not worried about Tucker at all,” Kelly added.
“I predict that Tucker will become independent. Tucker launches a podcast or digital show and crushes it. Absolutely crushes it.”
Some have speculated that Carlson could turn his huge following into a potential political base and try to run for elected office.
Kelly said she thought that was unlikely.
“A lot of people think he’s going to run for office. I do not think so. I just don’t think so. Tucker has a lot more influence when he’s behind a microphone than when he’s on a debate podium,” she said.
“Tucker is the only reason a lot of people still watch Fox News. With respect to my other colleagues there, I say he’s their favorite.”