Fox News advertisers flee in protest over host Tucker Carlson’s ‘dirtier’ immigrants remarks
Right-wing news host and friend of Donald Trump rails against low-skilled immigration in inflammatory monologue
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Advertisers are fleeing Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show after the presenter, and friend of Donald Trump, suggested the US is “dirtier” due to immigrants.
Amid a monologue railing against low-skilled immigration last week, Mr Carlson said: “We have a moral obligation to admit the world’s poor, they tell us, even if it makes our country poorer and dirtier and more divided.”
The comment sparked a backlash among sponsors of his show, Tucker Carlson Tonight. On Monday, personal finance website NerdWallet told NBC News it had “pulled its advertising” and would be “re-evaluating” its relationship with the programme.
Pacific Life, an insurance company, said it disagreed with Mr Carlson and would not be advertising on the show “in the coming weeks”.
Fitness training brand Bowflex’s parent company, Nautilus, told Hollywood Reporter it had instructed Fox News to “remove our ads” from airing during Mr Carlson’s show.
And Minted, an online design marketplace, announced on Twitter is had “permanently discontinued advertising” on the show over the comments, which were “not consistent with the values” of the company.
A Fox News Channel spokesperson told The Independent: “It is a shame that left-wing advocacy groups, under the guise of being supposed ‘media watchdogs,’ weaponize social media against companies in an effort to stifle free speech."
“We continue to stand by and work with our advertisers through these unfortunate and unnecessary distractions."
Mr Carlson addressed the controversy on Monday, appearing to double-down on his comments after replaying the Thursday night segment.
"That's what we said. It's true. Those who won't shut up get silenced ... The enforcers scream 'Racist!' on Twitter until everybody gets intimidated and changes the subject to the Russia investigation or some other distraction,” he said.
“It's a tactic, a well-worn one. Nobody thinks it's real. And it won't work with this show. We're not intimidated. We plan to try to say what's true until the last day."
Mr Carlson has regularly used his show to make negative and inflammatory comments about immigrants and perpetuate the baseless concept of white people being under attack.
Mr Trump has encouraged his Twitter followers to watch the 49-year-old's show.
Correction: The Independent incorrectly stated Mr Carlson had appeared at a Trump rally and had ties to Michael Cohen. It was in fact fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments