Bob Beckel Back In Rehab

Despite the fact that Fox News has been saying that host Bob Beckel’s absence has been due to back surgery, it turns out he’s also back in rehab.

As recently as last week, Fox host Bill O’Reilly responded to a viewer email wondering what has happened to The Five cohost by saying Beckel “had back surgery.” Now, it turns out there’s more to the story. In an email statement to their BFFs at Mediaite, Fox explained what’s really going on:

“Bob Beckel has entered a rehab facility for treatment of an addiction to prescription pain medication,” reads the network’s statement on Thursday afternoon. “His relapse developed over the last several months as he tried to cope with extensive back pain before and after he underwent major back surgery. We hope our viewers and the public will respect Bob’s privacy during this difficult time.”

There was no word on when Beckel is expected to return to Fox or to his cohosting duties.

Of course, we wish him well in his struggle.

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Showing 10 reactions

commented 2015-06-23 18:29:26 -0400 · Flag

All you who are so critical of Fox News and the Five are simply brain dead just like the idiots on PMSNBC and CNN

commented 2015-06-23 17:49:06 -0400 · Flag

All you who are so critical of Fox News and the Five are simply brain dead just like the idiots on PMSNBC and CNN

commented 2015-05-14 10:03:38 -0400 · Flag

Though I didn’t agree with many of Bob’s views on The Five, I admire him for standing up for his beliefs. He provides the perfect mix on the show. I wish him well, and hope he comes back soon.

commented 2015-05-06 13:03:33 -0400 · Flag

Wishing Bob all the best in his recovery! Now I just wish Rush would get addicted again so I could wish him ill.

commented 2015-05-05 00:50:44 -0400 · Flag

Good call, Headly. I, too, thought The Five was so awful, it would tank quickly. Why anyone would watch it is beyond me. I get why the prime time shows are popular but The Five has a nauseating cast of characters acting nauseatingly (except Dana Perino, whom I actually like, but don’t care to watch).

commented 2015-05-03 18:28:58 -0400 · Flag

I called it in last week’s Friday Fox Follies – Facts, Fibs & Folderol when I said, “Fox Health Watch: Bill O’Reilly Tells Viewers Where Fox’s Bob Beckel Has Been, but FFF isn’t buying the back surgery cover-up. Beckel’s disappearing act was like he entered the witness protection program, or a detox center. Otherwise, he’d not be incommunicado.”

For those keeping track, I’m now batting .500 on my predictions for The Five. When it was new and I reviewed it for NewsHounds I said, famously, “Bottom line: The Five is a horrible excuse for a debate show and just bad television over all. […I]t’s simply too many people talking over one another; too much trying to ‘top’ each other; too much volume; and too much heat without nearly enough light. However, when you look at Fox “News” programming overall, it fits right in. I don’t know how long The Five will survive, bit [sic] I predict it’s not long for this world.”

Read: The Five Is Simply Bad Tee Vee – An Aunty Em Review at http://www.newshounds.us/2011/07/12/the_five_is_simply_bad_tee_vee_an_aunty_em_review.php

With all my love,
Aunty Em Westerfield

commented 2015-05-01 18:50:49 -0400 · Flag

Bob would do better by leaving these vultures at Fox “News.”

This is a high-pressure environment 24/7. Addiction is more common at than you think.

We wish Bob a speedy recovery, and we sincerely hope he takes our advice and exit this place.

commented 2015-05-01 17:31:08 -0400 · Flag

“Their BFFs at Mediaite.”

Good one Ellen. You made me laugh. Can’t believe all the conservative commenters at Mediaite who think it is a left-leaning website.

To which I want to respond, “Just because BOR said so doesn’t make it true. Have we not learned about O’Reilly’s penchant for false statements?”

commented 2015-05-01 16:48:55 -0400 · Flag

Another example of unethical, conniving, character assassination, putting that information out there to the world. Fox reporters have to turn their backs on their own because next week it might be them. What a sorry bunch of backstabbers. Wishing him a healthy recovery.

NewsHounds posted about Bob Beckel Back In Rehab on NewsHounds' Facebook page 2015-05-01 15:52:57 -0400

Can't say we're shocked but we do wish him well.