In an exclusive and emotional interview, veteran Fox News journalist Geraldo Rivera revealed the true reason behind his departure from The Five, shattering any misconceptions about his exit. Known for his investigative reporting and fearless presence on the network, Rivera candidly shared the internal struggles that led to his sudden departure after years of being a fixture at Fox News. His bombshell revelation has sent shockwaves through the media world, as he opened up about the conflicts, tensions, and personal frustrations that culminated in his decision to leave.

The Unexpected Exit: Firing, Not Voluntary

Contrary to public speculation that Rivera had left voluntarily, the famed journalist disclosed that he had been fired from The Five.

“I got a call from two of the female executives,” Rivera explained during his appearance on The View, where he candidly opened up about the internal tensions at Fox News. “They said, ‘You’re off The Five, but there are plenty of other things you could do.’ I had a year and a half left on my contract, and I said, ‘Well, stop it. If you fired me from the No.1 show, then I’m going to quit.’ And that’s basically what happened.”

This revelation painted a picture of Rivera’s deteriorating relationship with the network, raising questions about the internal dynamics at Fox News and how their political programming had shifted.

The Breaking Point: A Toxic Relationship

While Rivera did not name the co-host involved, it became clear that personal conflicts with a fellow The Five host contributed significantly to the escalating tensions. Rivera mentioned that he was being treated unfairly in their disputes, claiming that his political views, often leaning more liberal, were dismissed in favor of his conservative counterparts.

“I was suspended three times. My appearances were reduced from two to three times a week, then to bi-weekly, and finally, monthly,” Rivera revealed. “It felt like my professional worth was being undermined.”

This exclusion from his regular spots and the increasingly hostile work environment left Rivera with little choice but to walk away. His frustrations with how his contributions were being minimized seemed to weigh heavily on him, especially as the network’s programming began shifting to more confrontational and partisan tones.

The Tensions Behind Closed Doors: Personal vs. Professional

While his public persona has been that of an outspoken, opinionated journalist, Rivera’s departure reflects the deep-rooted tensions behind the scenes at Fox News. Rivera, a man with a storied career as a war correspondent and investigative journalist, was often the liberal voice on The Five—a panel that has come to embody the conservative, combative edge of the network’s programming.

However, Rivera had never shied away from conflict, especially when it came to issues like immigration, race, and social justice. He had frequently clashed with more conservative co-hosts such as Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters, yet he was still respected for his nuanced viewpoints and years of experience. As the show moved further into a partisan approach, Rivera’s position became increasingly untenable, leaving him feeling marginalized.

This ideological divide eventually led to Rivera’s exclusion from the show he had helped to build, revealing the broader issue of ideological purity within media institutions and the struggle for space among diverse political viewpoints.

The Larger Fallout: What’s Next for The Five?

The news of Rivera’s departure from The Five has raised questions about the future of the show. As one of Fox News’ most watched programs, the panel relies on its mix of conservative and liberal viewpoints to keep the audience engaged. With Rivera gone, the balance may tip even further to the right, as the network continues to prioritize more combative, partisan content.

In the aftermath of Rivera’s departure, some have speculated that his exit could signal further changes in the tone of Fox News programming. Will the network continue to lean harder into the far-right narrative, or will there be room for more diverse opinions? As one insider noted:

“Fox is making a bold move towards aligning its programming more with conservative viewpoints. Whether that means alienating a significant portion of their audience remains to be seen.”

Despite his departure, The Five remains a juggernaut of political commentary, and Rivera’s exit may not significantly impact its ratings—at least not immediately. However, it does mark a pivotal shift in the network’s overall direction, which could play out over time as the political landscape continues to evolve.

Rivera’s Legacy: A Trailblazer in Journalism and TV

Although his time on The Five ended amid controversy, Rivera’s contributions to Fox News cannot be overstated. His early reporting in war zones, particularly after 9/11 and his coverage of the Iraq War, made him one of the most respected journalists of his generation. He broke major stories, often using his personal courage and investigative skills to bring attention to underreported issues.

Throughout his time at Fox, Rivera also played a key role in shaping the network’s brand as a source for hard-hitting, sometimes unconventional news. His persona, while sometimes polarizing, was a cornerstone of Fox’s appeal to its viewers. His departure marks the end of an era for the network, one that will be difficult to replicate.

A New Chapter for Rivera: What’s Next?

While Rivera’s time on Fox News may be over, his career is far from finished. At 80 years old, Rivera remains one of the most influential figures in journalism. He has indicated that he is open to new projects, including possibly writing a memoir that reflects on his decades-long career in the media industry.

“I’ve seen a lot, done a lot, and now it’s time to share those experiences in a different way,” Rivera stated. “I’m not leaving public life. I’m just pivoting.”

With his extensive background in investigative journalism, war reporting, and media commentary, Rivera’s next venture is sure to capture attention—whether through a book, a new television project, or public speaking.