10 Controversial Radio/TV Hosts Who Got Fired
Rob Parker’s termination from ESPN isn't the first time a television or radio host has fallen into boiling water over questionable comments or actions they deemed harmless. Check out this list of the top controversial firings of radio and TV hosts beginning with…
How It Happened: The South Carolina bred radio host is known for speaking his mind, regardless of who's in the studio. After getting the axe four times, his most recent firing happened in 2009 at Philadelphia’s radio station 100.3 The Beat after a headlining interview with Beanie Siegel, which "possibly could've played a part" in his termination.
Where Are They Now: As one-third of The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1, Charlamagne never hesitates to open the doors of controversy, plus he still handles his firings like a true G.
Charlamagne Tha God
How It Happened: The South Carolina bred radio host is known for speaking his mind, regardless of who's in the studio. After getting the axe four times, his most recent firing happened in 2009 at Philadelphia’s radio station 100.3 The Beat after a headlining interview with Beanie Siegel, which "possibly could've played a part" in his termination.
Where Are They Now: As one-third of The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1, Charlamagne never hesitates to open the doors of controversy, plus he still handles his firings like a true G.
Donnell Rawlings
How It Happened: Although reason for Donnell Rawling's departure from Power 105.1 was due to the station moving in a different direction, “Ashy Larry” of the “Ed Lover Show With Egypt and Ashy” stirred controversy with their “Are You Smarter Than An Asian?” segment. A few listeners took offense to the remarks made during the airing, prompting Chinese organizations to take a stand against the segment.
Where Are They Now: Today, the former Chappelle's Show regular is continuing his comedic act as he appears on MTV’s Guy Codeand other stand-up shows. Clearly, he's bounced back.
Star & Bucwild
How It Happened: In 2001, the two radio hosts were fired after playing a distasteful sound byte of a woman screaming before being silenced by a loud crash, mocking the death of R&B singer Aaliyah. This prompted co-host Miss Jones to storm out and the show commenced to receive backlash from the community.
Where Are They Now: Later, the duo landed a show at Power 105.1, where Star was once again fired after stating threatening remarks about DJ Envy's (who was spinning for Hot 97) then 4-year-old daughter. The Star and Buc Wild Show continued in 2010 with their segment on HipHopWired and on Shot 97 Radio.
Ann Curry
How It Happened: Over speculation that a drop in viewer ratings was the reason for Curry’s firing, the news anchor was let go of her position as co-host of the Today Show in 2012.
Where Are They Now: News of a possible position at CNN is brewing. Is she going to accept it?
Sean Salisbury
How It Happened: The former ESPN football analyst not only shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport but decided to share a cell phone picture of his genitals with his co-workers. Sean Salisbury was fired in 2006 after 12 years on the job.
Where Are They Now: You can still find Salisbury’s commentary – unfiltered – on playerpress.com.
Scott Torgerson
How It Happened: Former co-host of “The Common Man & The Torg” on 97.1 The Fan (ESPN affiliate), Scott Torgerson was fired after he tweeted “I wish Desmond Howard would get fired or die so I can watch Gameday again,” who was also a fellow sports analyst.
Where Are They Now: Known as one of the more outspoken “sports talk shock jocks,” The Torg can be heard on 92.3 in Cleveland, OH.
Wendy Williams
How It Happened: Once the talk show diva posted pictures of Diddy on the beach with his swimming trunks way below the waist, Hot 97 suspended Wendy Williams. That eventually led to her expulsion.
Where Are They Now: Today she continues her television talk show “The Wendy Williams Show” in New York City.
Rush Limbaugh
How It Happened: During his stint as a football analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” in 2003, Limbaugh commented on the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Buffalo Bills 23-13 win (mainly pointing out Donavan McNabb) stating: “The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performances of this team that he didn’t deserve. The defense carried this team.” He stated his comments were not racially charged but “resigned” expressing “the great people at ESPN did not want to deal with this kind of reaction.”
Where Are They Now: Rush still hosts his talk radio segment “The Rush Limbaugh Show.”
Ed Lover
How It Happened: With a tweet that read “Power 105 decided to move in a new direction without me ….. #truthtweet” legendary host Ed Lover was let go of his hosting position at Power 105.1 in 2010.
Where Are They Now: Ed later showed his support for The Breakfast Club crew, who took over his position. He recently dropped a new C’mon son viral video and continues to host shows.
HENRY BONSU
How It Happened: Henry Bonsu, University of Oxford graduate, was “sacked” from his BBC radio talk show “because he failed to ‘connect’ with audiences, and listening figures for his slot had been low.” The Guardian reported in 2004 that David Robey, the station’s managing editor, said Bonsu’s intellectual approach “did not fit with the station’s agenda.” Bonsu’s show focused on issues that affect the black community.
Where Are They Now: Bonsu now provides commentary as a director and presenter on Colorful Radio.
