Geraldo Rivera Opens Up About His Departure from Fox News: “I Got Fired from The Five So I Quit”

In a stunning revelation that has shaken the media world, Geraldo Rivera, a veteran journalist and television personality, has opened up about the real reason behind his departure from Fox News after over two decades with the network. Rivera’s candid statements, made during a recent appearance on The View, shed light on the growing tensions at The Five, where he served as a rotating liberal voice alongside conservative figures like Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, Jeanine Pirro, and Greg Gutfeld.

Rivera, who is widely recognized for his coverage of major global events and his longstanding role at Fox News, has now revealed that a “toxic relationship” with a fellow The Five co-host played a significant role in his decision to leave the network. His comments about the conflict have brought new attention to the internal dynamics of the show and the challenges of working in a high-pressure, politically charged environment.

The Incident That Sparked Rivera’s Departure

Rivera had been a fixture at Fox News since joining in 2001, making a name for himself as a war correspondent following the 9/11 attacks and gaining recognition for his coverage of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. However, in recent years, his relationship with the network, particularly his position on The Five, became increasingly strained.

The tipping point, according to Rivera, came when he was informed by Fox News executives that he was being removed from his role on The Five. While he had initially suggested that his departure was of his own volition, Rivera now reveals that he was, in fact, fired from the program. “I got a call from two of the female executives,” Rivera explained during his appearance on The View. “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.”

The exit, however, was not without emotional significance. Rivera admitted that the days leading up to his departure were filled with moments of warmth and gratitude from his colleagues, even as tensions simmered behind the scenes. He acknowledged that he had a “rocky ride” on the show, but expressed deep appreciation for the time spent with Fox News, particularly his work as a war correspondent.

The Toxic Relationship: A Breakdown of Internal Conflict

Rivera’s comments suggest that the growing tensions at The Five were not just the result of political differences but a personal conflict with one of his co-hosts. While Rivera declined to name the person involved, he made it clear that the relationship had become untenable. “I thought that it was very unfair that I was not judged objectively in our disputes, but rather he was always favored,” Rivera said. “I was suspended, you know, three times, my appearances were reduced from two to three appearances weekly, to bi-weekly, then monthly, and then they kind of disappeared.”

The reference to being “suspended” and “reduced” in terms of appearances implies a growing disconnect between Rivera and the show’s management, which ultimately led to his diminished role on the program. He also alluded to the fact that this pattern of exclusion wasn’t based on his professional performance but on the personal dynamics with his co-hosts.

While the identity of the co-host in question remains unclear, many fans speculate that the tension may have been rooted in his disagreements with The Five‘s more conservative figures, particularly Greg Gutfeld, with whom Rivera had multiple public confrontations. The most notable clash occurred in April 2025, when Rivera and Gutfeld sparred over electric vehicles, with Rivera telling Gutfeld, “Stop pointing at me,” following a heated exchange. The friction between the two has been a consistent theme on the show, and Rivera’s more liberal views often clashed with the strong conservative opinions of his colleagues.

The Fallout: What Does This Mean for the Future of The Five?

Rivera’s departure has raised significant questions about the future of The Five, particularly in terms of how the show will balance its conservative and liberal perspectives. The show’s panel format, which has become one of Fox News’ most successful programs, relies heavily on the dynamic between co-hosts with differing political viewpoints. Rivera’s exit could signal a shift in the show’s approach to ideological balance, as it may face difficulty filling his role with someone who can match his experience and gravitas.

However, The Five will continue without Rivera for now, with the remaining co-hosts—Watters, Perino, Pirro, and Gutfeld—stepping up to fill the void. The show has consistently remained one of the highest-rated programs on cable news, and while Rivera’s departure may alter the dynamic, it’s unlikely to undermine the show’s continued success.

The larger issue remains the question of how Fox News will navigate its relationships with on-air talent moving forward. If other internal conflicts arise, the network could face challenges in maintaining the same level of viewer engagement and consistency that has propelled shows like The Five to the top of the ratings.

Rivera’s Legacy: A Trailblazer in Journalism and Television

Although his time on The Five ended under contentious circumstances, Rivera’s legacy at Fox News is undeniable. Throughout his career, he was known for his fearless reporting in conflict zones and his ability to break major news stories. As a war correspondent, he covered some of the most pivotal moments in modern history, including the Iraq War and the aftermath of 9/11. Rivera’s role in shaping Fox News’ coverage of global events cannot be overstated, and his departure marks the end of an era for the network.

For his part, Rivera expressed mixed feelings about leaving. “It’s been an exhilarating adventure,” he said during his final days at the network. “I’ll always remember my time at Fox, but it’s time for me to move on.”

At 80 years old, Rivera remains a towering figure in journalism. His career spanned decades, and although his departure from Fox News marks the end of a chapter, it is not the end of his influence in the media world. Whether he continues with new projects or simply enjoys retirement, Rivera’s impact on the landscape of television news is secure.

Conclusion: The End of an Era, But a New Beginning

Geraldo Rivera’s departure from Fox News and The Five has left the media world buzzing with speculation about internal conflicts, ideological differences, and the shifting dynamics of the network. While his exit raises questions about the future of the show, it also highlights the complex relationships that shape the television landscape.

Rivera’s legacy as a pioneering journalist and his role in shaping Fox News’ identity as a force in American media cannot be overlooked. As the industry continues to evolve, Rivera’s departure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who work in the high-stakes world of cable news. Whether it’s navigating personal conflicts or responding to the changing political landscape, media figures like Rivera will continue to leave their mark on the industry.

For now, the focus shifts to The Five and what lies ahead for the show without Rivera. The future of Fox News’ programming and its approach to ideological balance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Rivera’s departure marks the end of an era for the network.