In a shocking development, Fox News announced that they are parting with longtime right-wing host Tucker Carlson, on Monday, effective immediately. This has led to speculations on social media that Carlson has been fired in the wake of the cable news network coming to a settlement with a defamation lawsuit by Dominion.

Just days ago, Fox News’ parent company settled Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit for $787.5 million. “FOX News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” the company said in a statement on Monday. “We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.”

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Here are a few reactions that propped up on Twitter the moment the news of Carlson leaving the outlet went viral:

 

People are increasingly convinced that Carlson was fired because he will not be given any sendoff from the media outlet. His last program aired on Friday. The host had not given any indication that he was leaving Fox News in his last segment. Instead, he stated that he would be back on Monday.

The company has not clarified whether Carlson was being taken off air due to the Dominion defamation case. “Mr. Carlson’s last program was Friday, April 21st. Fox News Tonight will air live at 8 PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating Fox News personalities until a new host is named,” the network announced.

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Dominion had accused Fox News of airing false claims related to the election and conspiracy theories in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. If the case had come to trial, Carlson would be among the witnesses to testify.

Carlson was one of the most recognized hosts on Fox News. This is what makes his exit even more surprising. Incidentally, he was also the channel’s most controversial host. Even when the network faced litigation over its post-election coverage, Carlson continued to suggest that the presidential race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was rigged and that the voting was not legitimate.