NBC4 in Washington announced that anchor Leon Harris “will be stepping away” after the veteran newsman stumbled through a recent segment, the affiliate announced.
Harris, 63, appeared hazy and used halting speech as he struggled to read the report on Thanksgiving, generating worry from viewers. Watch the video here.
“Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6,” the station shared in a statement on X. “Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues. We here at NBC4 ― and you at home ― care deeply about Leon and wish him well.”
Harris, who began with NBC4 in 2017 after long stints at CNN and WJLA-TV, has endured personal struggles off the air.
He took time off the air in September after breaking his foot in a home accident, The Washington Post reported.
The newspaper noted that he has been open about his struggles with alcohol after DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022. “After drinking, I decided to get into my car and drive,” he said after the latter. “This is the worst decision I could possibly have made.”
More than 10 years ago, Harris was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis and was hospitalized with organ failure.
When contacted by HuffPost, NBC4 declined to comment further.
