Why Was Geraldo Fired from “The Five”?

Why Was Geraldo Fired from “The Five”? In a surprising turn of events, Geraldo Rivera, a well-known journalist and television personality, has been fired from his regular position on the popular Fox News show, “The Five.” The announcement of his departure came with a mixture of celebration and nostalgia, as Fox News bid farewell to Rivera with a tribute featuring clips from his extensive career and heartfelt messages from colleagues. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind Geraldo Rivera’s departure from “The Five” and explore the circumstances surrounding his exit.

Details In Short:

• Departure date: June 30, 2023.
• Farewell tribute on “Fox & Friends” with career clips and goodbye messages.
• Rivera mentioned being fired from “The Five” and choosing to leave.
• Affirmative action influenced Rivera’s journalism career.
• Gained recognition for exposing abuses in NY’s mental health system.
• Joined Fox News after 2001 attacks as a war correspondent.
• Represented a liberal perspective among conservative panelists.
• Tensions with Greg Gutfeld grew, leading to conflicts.
• Gutfeld and Jesse Watters got their own prime-time programs.
• Initial perception of firing, later clarified as an amicable conclusion.
• Exact reasons for departure and change in narrative uncertain, likely network tensions.

Rivera’s Affirmative Action Beginnings

Rivera, a pioneer in journalism, has always been vocal about his roots and the opportunities that affirmative action presented to him. As the U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down affirmative action in higher education, it is noteworthy to mention that Rivera’s career was shaped by this policy. He owes his start in television to a collaboration between the Ford Foundation and Columbia Journalism School, which aimed to promote minorities in journalism. Having previously worked with Puerto Rican activist groups in New York, Rivera leveraged this experience to become a respected figure in local New York television, where he uncovered abuses in the state’s mental health system.

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From Local to National Fame

Rivera’s remarkable achievements in local television led him to a colorful and illustrious career as a national talk show host. One of the most memorable moments from his career was when he famously opened Al Capone’s vault on live TV, only to find it empty. Rivera’s ability to captivate audiences and his passion for uncovering hidden truths propelled him to join Fox News as a war correspondent following the tragic events of the 2001 terrorist attacks. This decision marked a turning point in his career, leading him to “The Five,” where he was tasked with providing a liberal perspective in political debates dominated by conservative panelists.

Tensions and Personal Conflicts

Over time, tensions between Rivera and some of his fellow panelists, particularly Greg Gutfeld, began to escalate. Rivera openly referred to Gutfeld as arrogant and an “insulting punk” during one of their heated exchanges on the air. While “The Five” became Fox News’ highest-rated show, Gutfeld and another panelist, Jesse Watters, capitalized on their popularity to secure their own prime-time programs. However, Gutfeld did not participate in the tribute and farewell messages for Rivera, which raised questions about their relationship.

Rivera’s Departure and Conflicting Statements

Rivera’s departure from “The Five” is shrouded in some ambiguity. Initially, he claimed that he had been fired from the show, but Fox News released a statement mentioning an amicable conclusion reached with Rivera in recent weeks. This discrepancy has left viewers and fans puzzled, and it remains unclear what triggered the change in Rivera’s narrative. One possible factor could be Rivera’s brief suspension from the show after he profanely criticized some of former prime-time host Tucker Carlson’s theories. Rivera later revealed to The Associated Press that tensions at the network were the primary reason behind his decision to quit.

Conclusion

As Geraldo Rivera bids farewell to “The Five” and Fox News, his departure marks the end of an era for the popular political talk show. While the exact circumstances surrounding his exit remain somewhat mysterious, it is clear that tensions with fellow panelists and a desire to move on played a significant role. Rivera’s career, which was rooted in affirmative action initiatives, has left an indelible mark on the field of journalism. As he enters a new chapter in his life, Rivera’s contributions and his unrelenting pursuit of the truth will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the industry.