BREAKING: Geraldo Rivera Shocks Fans with Sudden Exit from The Five—Was He Fired or Did He Quit Fox News? What’s Really Behind His Departure?

In a surprising and emotional announcement, Fox News correspondent-at-large Geraldo Rivera has revealed that he is leaving his co-hosting gig on The Five, sending shockwaves through the media landscape. The veteran journalist, who has been a prominent figure at the network for over two decades, tweeted on Thursday that he had been “fired” from the late-afternoon panel show and was quitting Fox News as a result.

“I got fired from @TheFive so I quit Fox,” Rivera wrote alongside a video of himself boating on the North Atlantic. “After 23 years tomorrow Fox and Friends could be my last appearance on the network. Thanks for the memories.”

The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions and speculation, leaving fans, colleagues, and industry insiders questioning the true reasons behind his sudden exit. Did Rivera really get fired, or is this part of a carefully crafted exit strategy? And what does this mean for the future of Fox News and The Five? Let’s break down what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Geraldo Rivera’s Tweet: Fired or Stepping Away on His Own Terms?

The timing of Rivera’s announcement, paired with the cryptic nature of his tweet, has left many people wondering whether he was genuinely fired or whether this was his decision all along. In the video, Rivera explained, “I’m not going to be on The Five this week as I’ve been fired from the program.” His declaration is a bombshell, as it suggests an abrupt end to his tenure on one of Fox News’ most-watched programs. However, Rivera’s comment about leaving Fox altogether adds another layer of intrigue: Is he walking away on his own, or was he pushed out?

Fox News issued a brief statement confirming the situation: “We reached an amicable conclusion with Geraldo over the past few weeks and look forward to celebrating him tomorrow on Fox & Friends, which will be his last appearance on the network.”

This vague language has only fueled speculation. Why was his departure handled with such ambiguity? If Rivera’s exit was truly amicable, why did he feel the need to publicly announce his “firing” in such dramatic fashion? This leaves room for the possibility that Rivera’s exit was less than voluntary, and that tensions within the network may have led to his abrupt removal.

The Growing Tension: The Five and Rivera’s Strained Relationship with Greg Gutfeld

In the days leading up to Rivera’s departure, there had been growing tensions within the The Five team, particularly between Rivera and his co-host Greg Gutfeld. The two have frequently clashed on-air, with Rivera’s more traditional, liberal views often clashing with Gutfeld’s sharp conservative commentary. Their on-screen bickering became increasingly bitter, and Rivera himself admitted to the Associated Press that the tension had reached a boiling point.

“There’s a growing tension that goes beyond editorial differences and personal annoyances and gripes,” Rivera explained in an interview. “Being the odd man out isn’t always easy.”

It’s no secret that the chemistry on The Five often hinges on the contrasting personalities and ideologies of its hosts. Rivera’s departure has been met with mixed reactions from fans—some sympathize with him, while others believe he struggled to fit in with the more outspoken personalities of the show.

In particular, a public mocking by Greg Gutfeld seems to have pushed Rivera to the edge. Gutfeld, who has earned a reputation for his biting humor and irreverent commentary, made waves when he openly mocked Rivera for criticizing former Fox News star Tucker Carlson. The tension between the two escalated in the months leading up to Rivera’s departure, and sources close to the show claim that this conflict played a major role in Rivera’s removal from The Five.

“I’ve been canceled from upcoming broadcasts of the show,” Rivera had said with visible frustration. “I’m sure there’s a good reason for it.” The situation was exacerbated by Rivera’s comments about Tucker Carlson following his ouster from Fox News, which did not sit well with the network’s conservative base.

The End of an Era: The Changing Landscape of Fox News

Geraldo Rivera has been a fixture of Fox News since 2001, and his departure marks the end of an era. Known for his bold, investigative reporting and larger-than-life persona, Rivera has played a significant role in shaping the network’s identity. From covering major events in the Middle East to providing insight into political turmoil at home, Rivera has long been a trusted voice for millions of viewers.

However, his exit raises questions about the future of Fox News and the changing direction of its programming. With the network’s increasing focus on opinion-driven content, particularly in primetime, Rivera’s traditional approach to journalism may no longer fit within the network’s evolving format. The tension between Rivera’s more nuanced, investigative approach and the louder, more polarizing voices that dominate Fox News’ current lineup has made his position on The Five increasingly difficult to maintain.

It’s also worth noting that Rivera’s departure comes at a time of significant transformation for Fox News. With new leadership and shifting priorities, the network is grappling with how to balance its diverse programming—ranging from news coverage to highly opinionated commentary. Rivera’s exit could signal a broader shift away from traditional journalism toward more opinion-based programming, in line with the rest of Fox News’ lineup.

The Future of Rivera and His Career Beyond Fox News

While it’s unclear what’s next for Geraldo Rivera, his departure from Fox News certainly opens up new possibilities. Rivera has hinted that he’s ready to embrace “the next adventure” and has expressed excitement about moving on to new opportunities. “I’m not mad at anybody,” Rivera told The Daily Beast. “I’m looking forward to the next adventure.”

Whether Rivera will continue in journalism, take on a new role in the media, or even venture into other industries remains to be seen. His broad experience, coupled with his status as a recognizable public figure, means that he has a range of options available to him.

For now, Rivera’s exit from Fox News is the subject of much speculation, and fans are left to wonder what the future holds for the legendary journalist. Will he return to television, or is this the end of his career at the network? Whatever happens next, Rivera’s influence on the media landscape remains undeniable.

What do you think about Geraldo Rivera’s departure from Fox News? Was it his decision, or was he forced out? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the future of Fox News and the shifting dynamics of television journalism.