FOX BROS: Insiders feel Lachlan Murdoch stabbed 'closest friend' Tucker Carlson in the back
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: There is a reason why Tucker Carlson considering himself a ‘protected species’. The controversial TV host reportedly shared a close friendship with Fox Corporation CEO, Lachlan Murdoch, before being fired from his position at Fox News. The network announced on Monday, April 24 that it is parting ways with the 53-year-old firebrand anchor, who has been associated with the network since 2009.
Carlson’s departure from his signature show, ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight’ came days after Fox News’ parent company settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems worth over $787 million. The decision to terminate Carlson was taken on Friday night by Fox owner Rupert Murdoch, his eldest son Lachlan, and Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott, according to the Washington Post. Now, it has been revealed that Carlson considered Lachlan “one of his closest friends” during his time at Fox News and thinks his firing is a betrayal of that bond.
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'With friends like Lachlan, who needs enemies?'
An insider revealed that Carlson and Lachlan not only got along as “bros” but shared hardcore MAGA political beliefs. “With friends like Lachlan, who needs enemies!” the source told RadarOnline. It is worth noting that Carlson himself learned about his termination on Monday morning, April 24, when Scott called him to deliver the news. When Carlson asked why he was being fired, Scott reportedly said the decision “came from above.” Reflecting on his firing, the insider said, “Age and experience have not made Rupert — and his heir apparent Lachlan — any less ruthless. This is the definition of a quick kill and clean cut. Equal parts stealth-like and mystifying. Without fear or favor — and no time for a struggle.”
As per reports, Fox told Carlson’s lawyers that he was fired “with cause" concerning a lawsuit filed by ex-producer Abby Grossberg, who accused Carlson and Fox of sexism and harassment, alleging that his show's workplace was replete with examples of misogyny. The clause "with cause" indicates that the firm would probably try to avoid paying any severance compensation to Carlson, who was negotiating a multimillion contract renewal through 2029, according to Radar Online. "If Tucker fights — which everyone expects he will — Fox will dig in. There will be no scenario under the sun in which he gets a massive windfall against the backdrop of sexism, antisemitism, and harassment. They can’t reward that kind of behavior. Fox has learned its lesson from scandals of the past,” an insider told the outlet.
'He did not see this coming'
It was also noted that Carlson "had no idea" that he was on the chopping block until the network broke the news on April 24. “He did not see this coming. He believes Murdoch and Fox — who previously provided support against the producer’s lawsuit — shifted tides to coincide with the Dominion Voting Systems settlement. He feels scapegoated," the insider said. They also added that the decision was not mutual as the entire newsroom was "in shock" over Carlson's abrupt exit.