According to a report on TheWrap, Elisabeth Hasselbeck is leaving The View to join the team at Fox News.
Back in March, Hasselbeck was rumored to be leaving, particularly because her conservative views did not mesh well with the other hosts. Barbara Walters herself put an end to those rumors quickly, saying, “There is a particularly false story that keeps getting picked up about Elisabeth’s alleged departure, saying that we don’t approve of her conservative views,” Walters said at the time. “The truth is we love Elisabeth. I like her personally, and she’s just a wonderful person.”
But this time, Hasselbeck herself confirmed her departure. “I have been a long-time fan of ‘Fox & Friends’ and am excited to be joining their team in September as it is an honor to call the Fox News Channel my new television home,” Hasselbeck said.
ABC also issued a statement, as well, voicing support for Hasselbeck in her new role as co-host of Fox and Friends.
“For a decade, Elisabeth Hasselbeck has brought her passion and strong beliefs to ‘The View.’ We watched her journey from newlywed to motherhood, an Emmy Award-winning talk show host, author, entrepreneur and activist,” the network said. “She stood behind her political views even if they were not the most popular opinions at the table never shying away from voicing a difficult question. We thank Elisabeth and wish her luck as she begins this new chapter of her career.”
And this time Barbara Walters came out behind her friend, too. “When Elisabeth survived ‘Survivor’ we wanted to make sure she would stay afloat,” Walters said. “We have had 10 wonderful years with her and she will now be swimming in new waters. We will miss her and wish her everything good.”
Hasselbeck’s last show will be Wednesday. Joy Behar is also leaving the show. And Barbara Walters herself is retiring in 2014.
