Tucker Carlson says he was shocked for first 8 mins after Fox News firing as he shrugs off career setback

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Tucker Carlson opened up about the time he left Fox News when he appeared as a guest on 'The Megyn Kelly Show' on December 11.

"Back in April, the top-rated cable news host…was suddenly removed from his Fox News show, sidelined at the height of his career and we had no idea why. To this day Fox News has not said, that's how much it respects its audience," is how Kelly began the episode.

"Tucker and I have known each other for a long time," she adds. "Today is our first conversation on the air since that seismic moment earlier this year," said Kelly.

Megyn Kelly said Tucker Carlson was reeling when he was let go

When the host asked Carlson how he was, the former prime-time host said that he was doing great at present.

He explained that he was surprised at first as his firing from Fox arrived unexpectedly.

"But I also felt… it's kinda not my company. I've been in the business since I was in my 20's. I'm now 54, so that's a long time. And I knew that this is how the end comes."

"So I actually felt like I got out pretty well," he continued. "I didn't do anything bad, other than have naughty opinions. But I didn't commit any crimes (or) harass anybody."

He admitted to being "shocked for the first eight minutes," but claimed that his wife was thrilled when he called to inform her.

"Then our staff came with us, so I wound up living and working with the same people that I have been with for the previous number of years, and I love them."

When was Tucker Carlson fired from Fox News?

On April 24, Fox issued a brief statement which read, "Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.”

Neither Carlson nor the company had given any further explanation as to the reason why he was being let go at the time.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, 92, himself made the call, with input from board members and senior executives.

Insider sources, however, did claim that Carlson's dismissal was related to a discrimination lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg, a producer who was fired a month earlier and claimed that she was bullied and subjected to antisemitic comments while working on 'Tucker Carlson Tonight.'