Former Fox News Host Tucker Carlson took to Twitter today to announce a new show would begin airing soon on Elon Musk’s aforementioned social media platform.
The video released by Carlson, just about three minutes long, details the reasoning behind striking out independently and includes a critique of agenda-driven news coming from all mainstream media sources:
Axios is reporting today that Carlson is also launching a full-throated attack against his former employer alleging fraud and breach of contract:
Tucker Carlson, two weeks after being ousted by Fox News, accused the network Tuesday of fraud and breach of contract — and made a host of document demands that could precede legal action.
Why it matters: The aggressive letter from his lawyers to Fox positions Carlson to argue that the noncompete provision in his contract is no longer valid — freeing him to launch his own competing show or media enterprise.
In particular, Carlson’s attorney is arguing that by leaking private videos and content, Fox is in breach which is allowing Carlson to move forward with a new venture:
The details: The letter — from Carlson lawyer Bryan Freedman to Fox officials Viet Dinh and Irena Briganti — said Fox employees, including “Rupert Murdoch himself,” broke promises to Carlson “intentionally and with reckless disregard for the truth.”
The lawyers accuse Fox executives — which two sources say are Dinh and Murdoch — of making “material representations,” or promises, to Carlson that were intentionally broken, constituting fraud.
Notably, the letter alleges Fox broke an agreement with Carlson not to leak his private communications to the media and not to use Carlson’s private messages “to take any adverse employment action against him.”
Why Twitter?
Just days ago, another Axios story mentioned briefly that Carlson and Elon Musk had some discussions though no details or further information was provided. Days before Carlson’s release from Fox News, Elon Musk appeared on Carlson’s show for an interview. As of now, it appears that Carlson, whether formally or informally, has chosen Twitter as his new home for content.
There’s no denying this is a huge boon for Musk’s platform which, despite seeing record engagement, is still in a topsy-turvy state since the Tesla billionaire purchased the platform late last year.
Mediaite is reporting that Carlson’s new venture will be supported by some of his former Fox News staff as well:
Carlson interviewed Musk in mid-April on Fox News and in a friendly sit down that in many ways epitomized Musk’s embrace of hard-right politics.
Byers tweeted the news, writing, “Tucker Carlson will relaunch his show *on Twitter* with help from former Fox News staff. He will forgo at least $25 million owed to him by Fox Corp. in order to break non-compete clause.” Notably, Carlson’s longtime senior executive producer, Justin Wells, was also fired when Carlson was let go by Fox News and is likely to be a part of his new show.
This story is breaking and may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
