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.
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
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.
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?”
