A veteran host of Fox News’s popular show “The Five” is confused after being told he won’t be appearing on the show for the rest of the week.
On Twitter, liberal talk show host Geraldo Rivera broke the news to his fans that he would not be appearing on the show this Thursday or Friday, and that he had been “canceled” by the network from his planned appearances for those two days.
“My appearances today and tomorrow on The Five have been canceled. I’m sure there’s a good reason. Never fear, I’ll be back week after next. Stay safe and happy. Thanks,” Rivera announced on Twitter, adding that he would be returning to the show soon.
Despite his assurances that it was only temporary, word on the street is that he’s now “off for good.”
However, the abrupt cancellation might be related to the way Geraldo handled Tucker Carlson’s surprise firing from Fox News in a heated exchange with his fellow show host, Greg Gutfeld. Although there is no indication that Rivera will be fired or removed from the show as a result of his absence from the schedule this week, the timing has undoubtedly raised some eyebrows.
Last week, Gutfeld supported Carlson twice: once on Twitter and once when appearing on “The Five.”
Gutfeld retaliated on Twitter against Rivera, a coworker who had criticized Carlson after his departure with some venomous remarks.
Rivera tweeted: “I don’t wish ill on anybody, but there is no doubt – as I said at the time-Tucker Carlson’s perverse January 6 conspiracy theory was ‘bullsh*t.’ Having lost the election President Trump incited an insurrection that sought to undermine our Constitutional process.”
Gutfeld issued a fiery retort to Rivera for criticizing Carlson, which came across as Gutfeld supporting his old colleague.
“You’re a class act Geraldo. A real man of the people,” Gutfeld tweeted.
You’re a class act Geraldo. A real man of the people. https://t.co/20LOwVzXwS
— GregGutfeld (@greggutfeld) April 26, 2023
Last week on “The Five,” Gutfeld joked that Carlson would run for president — and several of the hosts didn’t say anything.
Dana Perino took a sip of her drink, Jason Chaffetz laughed, and Jeanine Pirro quickly went on to a new program on a different topic.
No one seemed to want to talk about Carlson or the startling revelation, which could imply that on-air anchors were directed not to mention the subject.
Gutfeld, on the other hand, was unafraid to bring up Carlson and appeared defiant.
They started talking about President Joe Biden’s re-election prospects at the table. Chaffetz projected that, while Biden will almost certainly declare his re-election bid, he will eventually decline to run. Biden did declare his candidacy for a second term early Tuesday morning.
“I think she actually might be a candidate,” Chaffetz said. “I don’t think Joe Biden – even though he may announce tomorrow – I don’t think by the time he gets to the end of the year he’s actually going to run.”
Toward the end of the segment, Gutfeld joked about Carlson by saying: “And then so in 2024, it’ll be Susan Rice versus Tucker Carlson.”
“Ok,” Pirro responded, then immediately teased the next segment leading the show into a commercial.
Gutfeld Jokes Tucker Carlson Will Run for President After Getting Fired by Fox Newspic.twitter.com/CDcbMfpdZP
— Patriot Alerts (@alerts___) April 25, 2023
Gutfeld remains the most powerful force in cable news, co-hosting both “The Five” and his late-night show “Gutfeld!”
The popular host has also announced a new book, “The King of Late Night,” which will be available on July 25. The book will describe how Gutfeld “destroyed the mainstream late-night landscape of heavyweights and became the host of the #1 late-night show in all of television.”
Gutfeld’s late-night show is also bringing in record numbers for Fox News.
In terms of audience, Gutfeld appears to be the unquestioned #1 host at Fox News.
“The Five” is still one of the most popular shows on cable news, and “Gutfeld!” is breaking records.
