Geraldo Rivera’s departure from “The Five” and his ultimate exit from Fox News were certainly eventful. He has been open about the reasons for his exit, addressing the tensions that led to his dismissal. Rivera initially discussed his exit in a June 2023 interview with AP. He noted that the underlying conflicts contributed significantly to this decision, including some very public disagreements with fellow host Greg Gutfeld. In a following appearance on NewsNation, he referred to a notable difference of opinion with a colleague as a critical factor in his departure.
Additionally, Rivera indicated he sensed a clear lack of support from Fox News. After his firing, he was offered less prominent roles to avoid breaking his contract, hinting that the network no longer valued his presence. He also expressed disappointment that Fox executives weren’t eager to retain him after he announced his plans to leave.
Geraldo Rivera doesn’t feel he fits in at Fox anymore
While discussing his exit, Rivera refrained from disparaging the network too harshly. He notably avoided directly naming Gutfeld as his adversary, even encouraging viewers to research the circumstances online. He acknowledged the positive treatment he received leading up to his departure but pointed out that his ideologies were no longer compatible with Fox News’ direction, which he believed played a significant role in his firing.
Rivera further detailed a specific incident that led to issues with Fox, particularly after he criticized Tucker Carlson’s stance on the January 6 events. Following his comments, he was suspended, and he suggested that his consistent opposition to the network’s direction made him unwelcome. Despite the loss of his high-profile position, Rivera seems to stand by his principles, suggesting his values are more important than his former job.