The Fox News liberal commentator and co-host of The Five, Bob Beckel was fired by Fox News today after his long medical absence. Beckel has not been on-air since February.
Mediaite first reported the news on Thursday and originally reported that the split was “amicable.” However, it does not appear so. Fox News Executive Vice President of Programming, Bill Shine, released a statement saying, “We tried to work with Bob for months, but we couldn’t hold The Five hostage to one man’s personal issues. He took tremendous advantage of our generosity, empathy and goodwill and we simply came to the end of the road with him. Juan Williams and Geraldo Rivera will be among those rotating on the show for the near future.”
Beckel originally took time off for his back and had back surgery. Later, his surgery caused him to relapse with his addiction to painkillers. In other instances, Fox News has stood by their personalities while they go through medical troubles. Anchor Gregg Jarrett was off the air for several months as he dealt with his alcoholism before returning on-air.
Beckel has been an integral part of The Five, serving as the outspoken token liberal. His controversial comments have served as fodder for criticism as Democrats have attempted to distance themselves from him. The Five has seen huge ratings success, oftentimes placing in the top three shows in cable news for the 25-54 demo.
Beckel responded to the news on Twitter, seeming confused about why the events transpired:
I am no longer on The Five or with Fox. Fox statement today baffles me. I will respond in the appropriate forum. I will miss you all.
— Robert G Beckel (@RobertGBeckel) June 25, 2015
I just can’t understand the anger in Fox statement. I was healing from major back surgery i could not walk, I took no advantage I got well
— Robert G Beckel (@RobertGBeckel) June 26, 2015
Fox has been good to especially when I was healing. I guess I’ll never understand their anger It is all so very sad
— Robert G Beckel (@RobertGBeckel) June 26, 2015
Thank u for thousands of Tweets not angry but very very sad Where I go from here is in Gods hands
— Robert G Beckel (@RobertGBeckel) June 26, 2015