Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly said he is “okay and recovering from stomach stuff” in a Friday update posted to his website, days after announcing he was dealing with an unspecified illness.
O’Reilly missed a scheduled appearance on Tuesday on NewsNation’s “CUOMO,” citing the ailment, and has also paused production of his nightly online program, “No Spin News.” In his Friday message, O’Reilly thanked supporters for the well wishes he said he received while staying at a medical facility in New York City, adding that he was already preparing for his return to the air.
“Amazing good wishes have arrived here in New York City, and it’s hard to describe my gratitude. I am planning a jail break out of the medical facility where there are more than a few Concierge Members,” O’Reilly wrote. “That’s major. If USA Today finds me, I’m toast. Working on the first broadcast back because there’s nothing else to do here except watch hysterical local TV news coverage about snow generated by global warming.”
He added that he expected to share another update on Sunday.
O’Reilly hosts “No Spin News” on weeknights, a subscription-based broadcast that he has used in recent years to continue offering political commentary following his departure from cable news. He also remains a frequent guest on NewsNation, where he appears to weigh in on major political and media developments.
He is best known for hosting Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor,” which was one of the network’s top-rated primetime programs for years. O’Reilly has built a national profile as a conservative commentator and author, often focusing his show on political disputes, culture-war issues, and sharp critiques of the media.
However, his tenure at Fox News ended in April 2017, when the network fired him amid multiple sexual harassment allegations. O’Reilly has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly disputed the accusations.
“It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims,” O’Reilly wrote in a statement after the firing. “But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today.”
He indicated on Friday that he was working on his next broadcast and appeared optimistic about returning soon.
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