Bill O’Reilly is poised to return to Fox News on Tuesday for the first time since he was abruptly fired in April.
The longtime Fox News anchor has been booked as a guest on Sean Hannity‘s 9 p.m. program. Fox News confirmed late Monday the lineup of “Hannity” guests for the rest of the week. The list includes House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday and radio host Rush Limbaugh on Thursday. On Monday night, Hannity’s guest was former Trump special advisor Steve Bannon.
O’Reilly’s appearance on “Hannity” sets up an awkward situation for Fox News. O’Reilly has been on a media tour the past few weeks discussing his exit from Fox News amid a firestorm of controversy about sexual harassment allegations. He is also promoted the latest in his series of alternate history novels, “Killing England,” which was published earlier this month. The book is expected to be the focus of his “Hannity” appearance.
Last week, O’Reilly appeared on NBC’s “Today” and declared that his firing amounted to a “political and financial hit job” spurred by advertiser boycotts that were organized by left-leaning advocacy groups including Media Matters for America. He has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.
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O’Reilly was dismissed as host of the top-rated “O’Reilly Factor” after Fox News parent company initiated an investigation into harassment claims. Scrutiny of O’Reilly was heightened in April after the New York Times reported that O’Reilly and Fox News had paid out $13 million in settlements to women during the past 12 years.
O’Reilly indicated in his interview with “Today’s” Matt Lauer that 21st Century Fox’s pending takeover of European satcaster Sky was a factor in the company’s decision to let him go. O’Reilly has emphasized that he has assembled a legal team to defend himself and uncover the truth about the campaign behind his firing.
There’s been much speculation about O’Reilly’s next move and potential new network homes for the conservative firebrand. He has maintained a presence with columns and podcasts distributed through his BillOReilly.com website.
