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Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ex-NBC anchor Leon Harris breaks silence on concerning segment that led to him being ‘pulled off air'
Former NBC anchor Leon Harris has broken his silence months after worrying viewers during an evening broadcast. Harris, who worked for NBC4 Washington doing the network's nightly broadcast at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., sparked concern among viewers after he appeared to stumble over his words during the November 28 evening telecast. He was seen struggling to speak fluently in clips posted to social media. It was later announced that Harris, 63, would be stepping back from his role to focus on his health. Now, he's told former CNN co-anchor Daryn Kagan about the 'couple glasses of wine' he had that night. Speaking to Kagan on her Call Me Friend podcast, Harris revealed his struggle with alcoholism and how he wound up going to rehab after the November incident. 'I ended up drinking between shows, and I went on the air,' Harris said of the incident that led to him being 'pulled off air.' 'I was more affected than I thought I was. Even at the time, I felt like I was perfectly fine. 'People were calling. They were thinking that I was having a stroke,' he continued. 'It was the most embarrassing thing that has ever, ever happened to me. 'I'll never be able to live down or get away from it.' Viewers were concerned by Harris's appearance as he struggled through the segment on a water main break that occurred in the D.C. area, as well as the recent arrest of four suspects accused of vandalizing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee building. 'NBC check on Leon Harris!' voice actor Lee Sanders viewer wrote alongside a video shared on X. Another concerned viewer commented: 'What's going on Newschannel 4 6 PM news cast. The anchor is having a rough time delivering the news. I hope he is okay?' Harris, who joined NBC4 in 2017 after 21 years anchoring CNN in Atlanta, revealed that his boss forced him to Uber home from the news station that night. Speaking to Kagan and reflecting on 'the status and the responsibilities' of working in the media, Harris acknowledged that the pressures of the role may have contributed to his decision to drink. He also said his 'body has changed and I can't drink anymore. And I didn't realize it.' Shortly after the November incident, the network released a statement acknowledging Harris would be taking time away. Harris had previously been removed from NBC4 anchoring duties in 2022 after he was arrested and sentenced to 10 days in jail for crashing while driving under the influence of alcohol, but was later reinstated. This time, his departure was made permanent. Following a four-month leave of absence from his role, Harris announced April 8 that he was leaving the network. 'After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I've made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4,' he said in a statement. 'I'm grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years.' 'This is the right time to prioritize my health and family,' he added.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former NBC Washington TV Anchor Leon Harris Breaks Silence About the Concerning Broadcast Which Ended His Presenting Career
Former NBC4 Washington co-anchor Leon Harris has broken his silence, speaking out about his concerning appearance on the show on Thanksgiving Harris told his former colleague Daryn Kagan that he had a "couple glasses of wine" before being pulled off the air on her Call Me Friend podcast The incident officially ended his time on NBC4, the station confirmed in a statement last monthLeon Harris is opening up about his struggles and his mistakes. The former NBC4 Washington anchor concerned viewers back on Thanksgiving, when he appeared to be suffering a then-unknown medical emergency during the live broadcast. Clips of Harris struggling to read the teleprompter and appearing to slur his words circulated on the Internet in the wake of the incident. Several months later, it was announced that Harris would be stepping down from his role at NBC4 to focus on his health. Now, in a new interview with his friend and former colleague Daryn Kagan on her Call Me Friend podcast, Harris shared what really happened that day. During the interview, which was released May 14, Harris shared that he'd had a meal and a 'couple glasses of wine' before going on the air. However, after struggling with past alcohol issues, Harris said that he could no longer drink the way he used to without negative repercussions. 'I ended up drinking between shows, and I went on the air,' Harris shared. 'I was more affected than I thought I was. Even at the time, I felt like I was perfectly fine.' But after numerous viewers called in expressing their concern for Harris, he said he was 'pulled off the air.' 'People were calling. They were thinking that I was having a stroke,' he said. 'It was the most embarrassing thing that has ever, ever happened to me.' Shortly after, Harris was sent right to rehab to continue what he refers to as his 'battle with alcoholism.' The longtime broadcast journalist knows that the clips circulate on the Internet, saying on the podcast, 'I'll never be able to live down or get away from it.' Not only did the moment affect his professional life, Harris said it's also impacted him 'domestically,' though he didn't elaborate further. The former Washington D.C.-based anchor is married to Dawn Harris and shares two adult children with her. Despite the embarrassing moment, Harris said that the day 'may have been liberating' for him. 'Having that job and having the status and the responsibilities that came with it, actually may have been part of the reason I was drinking,' he shared, reflecting on the pressure he felt in the role. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On April 8, the longtime news anchor announced his departure after taking a four-month leave of absence from NBC4 "to focus on [his] health and family" following the incident. "After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I've made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4. I'm grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years," he said in a statement. "This is the right time to prioritize my health and family," he added. The station announced the news via Instagram alongside their own statement about his departure. "We are grateful for Leon's eight years of service to our will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best," they said. When reached by PEOPLE, the station confirmed that Harris' departure was permanent. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former NBC Washington TV Anchor Leon Harris Breaks Silence About the Concerning Broadcast Which Ended His Presenting Career
Former NBC4 Washington co-anchor Leon Harris has broken his silence, speaking out about his concerning appearance on the show on Thanksgiving Harris told his former colleague Daryn Kagan that he had a "couple glasses of wine" before being pulled off the air on her Call Me Friend podcast The incident officially ended his time on NBC4, the station confirmed in a statement last monthLeon Harris is opening up about his struggles and his mistakes. The former NBC4 Washington anchor concerned viewers back on Thanksgiving, when he appeared to be suffering a then-unknown medical emergency during the live broadcast. Clips of Harris struggling to read the teleprompter and appearing to slur his words circulated on the Internet in the wake of the incident. Several months later, it was announced that Harris would be stepping down from his role at NBC4 to focus on his health. Now, in a new interview with his friend and former colleague Daryn Kagan on her Call Me Friend podcast, Harris shared what really happened that day. During the interview, which was released May 14, Harris shared that he'd had a meal and a 'couple glasses of wine' before going on the air. However, after struggling with past alcohol issues, Harris said that he could no longer drink the way he used to without negative repercussions. 'I ended up drinking between shows, and I went on the air,' Harris shared. 'I was more affected than I thought I was. Even at the time, I felt like I was perfectly fine.' But after numerous viewers called in expressing their concern for Harris, he said he was 'pulled off the air.' 'People were calling. They were thinking that I was having a stroke,' he said. 'It was the most embarrassing thing that has ever, ever happened to me.' Shortly after, Harris was sent right to rehab to continue what he refers to as his 'battle with alcoholism.' The longtime broadcast journalist knows that the clips circulate on the Internet, saying on the podcast, 'I'll never be able to live down or get away from it.' Not only did the moment affect his professional life, Harris said it's also impacted him 'domestically,' though he didn't elaborate further. The former Washington D.C.-based anchor is married to Dawn Harris and shares two adult children with her. Despite the embarrassing moment, Harris said that the day 'may have been liberating' for him. 'Having that job and having the status and the responsibilities that came with it, actually may have been part of the reason I was drinking,' he shared, reflecting on the pressure he felt in the role. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On April 8, the longtime news anchor announced his departure after taking a four-month leave of absence from NBC4 "to focus on [his] health and family" following the incident. "After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I've made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4. I'm grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years," he said in a statement. "This is the right time to prioritize my health and family," he added. The station announced the news via Instagram alongside their own statement about his departure. "We are grateful for Leon's eight years of service to our will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best," they said. When reached by PEOPLE, the station confirmed that Harris' departure was permanent. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local NBC anchor Leon Harris who went viral for shaky news segment before resignation admits months later he was boozed up
The award-winning DC-based anchor who went viral on Thanksgiving for a cringeworthy news segment finally revealed this week he was boozed up on air – and didn't even realize how shaky he was. Now-former NBC4 Washington journalist Leon Harris addressed the uncomfortable moment in which he struggled mightily while delivering the news, including stumbling over words and awkward hesitations. He said he had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner within four hours between shows, but that was enough to push him off kilter. 'I ended drinking in between shows and then went on the air and I was more affected than I thought I was, even at the time I felt I was perfectly fine,' he told former CNN co-anchor Daryn Kagan in her new YouTube show, 'Call Me Friend.' 'I ended up getting pulled off the air. People were calling, they were thinking that I was having a stroke. It was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me.' 'My body has changed and I can't drink anymore,' added Harris, who had faced past drinking problems. 'And I didn't realize it.' Harris said his boss had to come into the station on the Thanksgiving holiday and instructed him to get in an Uber to go home. He took a leave of absence following the broadcast — a video of which quickly spread across social media — and last month jointly announced with NBC4 Washington that he was leaving the station for good. 'I kind of knew it was coming, but the station just felt it was too much of a negative event, it was too well-publicized that they didn't feel comfortable in bringing me back,' Harris told Kagan. 'Even though I left, I went immediately into rehab.' When he announced his permanent departure, he said it was a 'difficult decision' but that he had to focus on his health after 40 years of non-stop work. At the time, he didn't provide more details. Harris previously worked at CNN with Kagan, the interviewer, and other local DC stations. The talented broadcaster covered a myriad of historic news events, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the OJ Simpson trial and the 9/11 terror attacks. He also won numerous local Emmy awards. The journalist said it was gut-wrenching when he first viewed viral footage of his 'career-altering' screw-up. 'It was like 'oh my god,' I had no idea that I was that far gone,' he said. 'And it was clear and it was obvious.' Harris previously spoke about his struggle with alcohol in March 2022 after he ran into trouble for crashing into another car while driving under the influence. 'I've had a battle with alcoholism,' he said this week. 'I did not really fully appreciate that.' The broadcast journalist said he still gets phone calls from concerned friends who only recently saw the shocking video, but he reassured them he's in better shape now. He said he hasn't thought of having a drink since Dec. 14, 2024, after getting crucial help, but might always be reminded of the difficult moment. 'And knowing that it's on the internet and still alive is something that I'll never be able to live down,' Harris said.
New York Post
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Local NBC anchor Leon Harris who went viral for shaky news segment before resignation admits months later he was boozed up
The award-winning DC-based anchor who went viral on Thanksgiving for a cringeworthy news segment finally revealed this week he was boozed up on air – and didn't even realize how shaky he was. Now-former NBC4 Washington journalist Leon Harris addressed the uncomfortable moment in which he struggled mightily while delivering the news, including stumbling over words and awkward hesitations. He said he had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner within four hours between shows, but that was enough to push him off kilter. 4 Former NBC4 Washington journalist Leon Harris addressed the uncomfortable moment in which he struggled mightily while delivering the news. 'I ended drinking in between shows and then went on the air and I was more affected than I thought I was, even at the time I felt I was perfectly fine,' he told former CNN co-anchor Daryn Kagan in her new YouTube show, 'Call Me Friend.' 'I ended up getting pulled off the air. People were calling, they were thinking that I was having a stroke. It was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me.' 'My body has changed and I can't drink anymore,' added Harris, who had faced past drinking problems. 'And I didn't realize it.' Harris said his boss had to come into the station on the Thanksgiving holiday and instructed him to get in an Uber to go home. He took a leave of absence following the broadcast — a video of which quickly spread across social media — and last month jointly announced with NBC4 Washington that he was leaving the station for good. 'I kind of knew it was coming, but the station just felt it was too much of a negative event, it was too well-publicized that they didn't feel comfortable in bringing me back,' Harris told Kagan. 'Even though I left, I went immediately into rehab.' 4 Harris said he had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner within four hours between shows, but that was enough to push him off kilter. NBC 4 Washington When he announced his permanent departure, he said it was a 'difficult decision' but that he had to focus on his health after 40 years of non-stop work. At the time, he didn't provide more details. Harris previously worked at CNN with Kagan, the interviewer, and other local DC stations. The talented broadcaster covered a myriad of historic news events, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the OJ Simpson trial and the 9/11 terror attacks. He also won numerous local Emmy awards. 4 Harris said his boss had to come into the station on the Thanksgiving holiday and instructed him to get in an Uber to go home. NBC 4 Washington The journalist said it was gut-wrenching when he first viewed viral footage of his 'career-altering' screw-up. 'It was like 'oh my god,' I had no idea that I was that far gone,' he said. 'And it was clear and it was obvious.' Harris previously spoke about his struggle with alcohol in March 2022 after he ran into trouble for crashing into another car while driving under the influence. 'I've had a battle with alcoholism,' he said this week. 'I did not really fully appreciate that.' 4 When he announced his permanent departure, he said it was a 'difficult decision' but that he had to focus on his health after 40 years of non-stop work. At the time, he didn't provide more details. NBC 4 Washington The broadcast journalist said he still gets phone calls from concerned friends who only recently saw the shocking video, but he reassured them he's in better shape now. He said he hasn't thought of having a drink since Dec. 14, 2024, after getting crucial help, but might always be reminded of the difficult moment. 'And knowing that it's on the internet and still alive is something that I'll never be able to live down,' Harris said.
