According to Axios, Fox News Tucker Carlson’s legal team has informed the former primetime host that he violated his contract with the network by launching his show on Twitter. Carlson, who was temporarily fired by Fox News after a defamation lawsuit over false claims of election fraud, aired the inaugural episode of his new show on Tuesday.
Fox News General Counsel Bernard Gauger sent a letter to Carlson’s legal team saying Carlson’s actions violated his contract. The letter cited a clip from her new show posted on Twitter, prompting the network’s response.
In Carlson’s defense, his attorney said any legal action taken by Fox News would violate his client’s First Amendment rights to free speech, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Attorney Brian Friedman emphasized that Fox News relies on the premise of free speech for its existence. Friedman’s statement, cited by Axios, highlighted a contradiction in Fox’s stance, claiming the network wants to curtail Carlson’s right to express his views on current events through social media.
Axios obtained a copy of the letter sent by Fox News, which cited Carlson’s contractual obligations. It stated that the former primetime star was expressly prohibited from providing any service, whether by streaming, internet distribution, or any other digital means, whether now known or hereafter. I am advanced.
At the time of reporting, Fox News had not responded to a request for comment on the matter. The controversy surrounding Carlson’s Twitter show has brought contractual obligations and freedom of speech into the spotlight.