Keith Olbermann Fired, Lawsuit Expected to Follow
Oh no! Current TV fired Keith Olbermann!
This is a tragedy for the few who know about Current TV, a joint venture between former Vice President Al Gore and entrepreneur Joel Hyatt. Olbermann became the face of the new network after leaving MSNBC almost fourteen months ago.
But now he is no longer. Gore & Co. have fired Olbermann and insist that the progressive pundit violated the terms of his $50 million contract.
Rumor has it the relationship has been plagued by infighting. Olbermann refused to host special election coverage in January, explains The New York Times, and was conspicuously absent the day before Super Tuesday. His absenteeism became a source of malcontent, further states the Los Angeles Times.
Current TV may have fired Keith Olbermann, but he has no plans to take it lying down. He took to Twitter soon after the announcement and vowed to fight his dismissal in the courts. He says he was suffering from throat problems and could not be on air.
The lawsuit should be an interesting one. If the anchor really did violate his contract, then Current TV will likely be found to have acted in accordance with the law. But if his absenteeism was the result of throat problems, it's possible the network acted in violation of federal and state employment discrimination and medical leave laws.
Expect the lawsuit -- if it even gets that far -- to be played out in the media. Current TV fired Keith Olbermann and he probably wants to make them pay.
Related Resources:
- Keith Olbermann out at S.F.'s Current TV (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Employment Contract Provisions (FindLaw)
- The Olbermann Suspension From MSNBC Ends (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)