Newly released videos show former Fox News host Tucker Carlson engaging in sketchy behavior and making offensive comments, like calling a woman “yummy” during the recording of his popular show before getting the boot.
Media Matters for America recently released the videos, creating a buzz in both the media and political worlds and raising questions about whether these comments played a role in Carlson’s departure from the network.
The leaked videos reveal conversations between Carlson and fellow Fox host Piers Morgan, with Carlson showing interest in discussing specific sexual techniques if they came up on the show. Morgan playfully responded by mentioning Carlson’s recent segment on masculinity and joking about his “tanning testicles.” In another off-camera clip, Carlson is heard jokingly calling someone’s girlfriend “yummy,” but then quickly saying he was only kidding and poking fun at the possibility of the footage being leaked to Media Matters.
Another video stirring up controversy captures Carlson making snide remarks about his “post-menopausal fans.” The New York Times had previously reported Carlson’s “yummy” comment based on an anonymous source, but the video evidence was only released on May 2.
The leaked footage surfaced after Carlson left Fox News, during a workplace harassment lawsuit filed by former Fox producer Abby Grossberg. Grossberg was let go just before the network settled a huge defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems for $787 million. She’s threatened to release more recordings exposing misconduct by top hosts and executives at Fox.
Though Fox News hasn’t publicly shared the reasons for Carlson’s departure, there’s speculation about whether his private messages and comments about network leadership played a role. However, these reports are still unconfirmed.
After leaving the network, Carlson briefly spoke up by sharing a mysterious video message on Twitter. He slammed both political parties and their donors for trying to silence conversations about their shared interests.
In response to Grossberg’s allegations, Fox brushed them off as baseless and said they’re ready to defend against them.