This overview lists confirmed and rumored exits at Fox News, emphasizing verifiable departures, roles, timelines, and contexts. It focuses on anchors, hosts, executives, and contributors whose status has changed through termination, resignation, or contract non-renewal. The aim is to clarify who has left Fox News, when, and why, while distinguishing confirmed news from speculation. Dates, roles, and stated reasons are cited where publicly documented.
Confirmed departures at Fox News
These individuals have left Fox News through termination, resignation, or non-renewation with public confirmation by the network or credible reporting. Some exits involved misconduct settlements; others followed policy or strategy shifts. The table below summarizes key verified departures.
Notable exits: verified departures at a glance
| Name | Role at exit | Date | Stated or reported reason | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill O’Reilly | Host | Apr 2017 | Pressure amid multiple harassment allegations; no criminal charges filed | Network statement, news reports, settled lawsuits |
| Roger Ailes | Chairman & CEO | Jul 2016 | Retirement amid harassment inquiry | Company announcement |
| Gretchen Carlson | Anchor/host | Sep 2016 | Settlement after sexual harassment claim against Ailes | Lawsuit, settlement announcement |
| Andrea Tantaros | Co-host, The Five | Feb 2017 | Termination after harassment complaint and lawsuit | Network statement, court filing |
| Jesse Watters | Contributor (earlier host, The Five) | Mar 2022 | Stepped back after leaked footage; returned to limited role later | Network statement |
| Peter Doocy | Host (Fox & Friends) | Status: active as of 2025 | N/A | Network schedule |
| Laura Ingraham | Host (The Ingraham Angle) | Status: active as of 2025 | N/A | Network schedule |
| Sean Hannity | Host | Status: active as of 2025 | N/A | Network schedule |
High-profile departures and status clarifications
Below are hosts and contributors frequently referenced in queries about exits, terminations, or role changes at Fox News. Each entry emphasizes confirmed information and, where relevant, distinctions between departures and temporary pauses.
Bill O’Reilly
Bill O’Reilly was a marquee host whose departure in April 2017 followed allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Multiple civil lawsuits and internal investigations preceded an amicable separation agreement. The network cited pressure on the company in announcing his exit, and advertisers reduced spending amid the controversy. Since leaving Fox News, O’Reilly has returned to media through podcasts and syndicated content.
Roger Ailes
Roger Ailes, founder and chairman, stepped down in July 2016 after a harassment investigation and mounting pressure from advertisers and staff. His departure marked a leadership transition at the network. Ailes died in 2017, ending ongoing legal and reputation management efforts tied to his tenure.
Gretchen Carlson
Gretchen Carlson, then-chair of the network’s news department and a host, settled a lawsuit in 2016 alleging sexual harassment by Ailes. She departed Fox News in September 2016 and became an advocate for workplace accountability. Her exit exemplified how executive and on-air roles intersect in harassment and leadership accountability cases.
Andrea Tantaros
Andrea Tantaros, a co-host on The Five, was terminated in February 2017 after filing a harassment complaint and suing the network. Fox News stated the termination followed its investigation. The case illustrated how internal complaints can lead to exits and legal disputes.
Jesse Watters
Jesse Watters stepped back from hosting duties in March 2022 after leaked footage showed him making inappropriate comments. The network paused his show, and he returned later in a contributor and substitute host capacity. This episode illustrates how accountability measures can lead to temporary role changes and partial returns.
Rumors versus confirmed status
Not all reports of exits at Fox News are accurate. Rumors often arise after on-air criticism, scheduling changes, or anonymous tips. This section clarifies current rumor risk and separates ongoing roles from unverified claims.
- Jen Shah — Status: legal matters, not a Fox News employee; rumors of being fired from media are unfounded.
- Kaitlin Olson — Not affiliated with Fox News; any claims conflating her work with network employment are false.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene — Serves in U.S. Congress; has not been fired by Fox News as of 2025.
- Kayleigh McEnany — Was White House Press Secretary; not a Fox News employee subject to termination by the network.
Context and criteria for exits
Understanding why hosts or executives leave Fox News helps interpret departures as part of broader media dynamics. Common factors include harassment settlements, contract non-renewals, strategic shifts, and accountability for on-air conduct. The network’s approach to talent management has evolved alongside advertiser sensitivities and public expectations.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is currently hosting The Five as of 2025? — Several hosts rotate, including confirmed anchors scheduled in network lineups.
- Has anyone been fired from Fox News in 2024 or 2025? — No widely reported, verified mass firings in 2024 or 2025; routine exits and role changes occur.
- Are former Fox News hosts still in media? — Yes, many remain active in podcasts, syndication, or television at other outlets.
Summary
Confirmed departures at Fox News include Bill O’Reilly, Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson, Andrea Tantaros, and a temporary step-back by Jesse Watters. Current hosts such as Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, and others remain active where schedules indicate. This status-clarifying overview distinguishes verified exits from rumors and places them in context of policy, accountability, and media industry patterns.