After struggling through a broadcast on Thanksgiving Day, NBC4 reporter Leon Harris will be “stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the Washington, D.C., station announced in a statement on Monday.
“Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6,” said the affiliate news channel. We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern.”
On Nov. 28, the 63-year-old Harris caused concern from viewers after he slurred his words, stumbled through sentences and struggled to pronounce certain words during an evening news segment about local vandalism. Shortly after the segment he was pulled off the desk, and meteorologist Ryan Miller said on-air, “We’ve heard a lot from some of you through phone and email during this newscast. We want to assure you that our colleague, Leon Harris, is fine. The News4 team appreciates your concern.”
NBC4 did not disclose any specific health issues Harris may be facing.
Harris is a Emmy-winning TV news veteran in Washington, joining NBC4 in 2017 after 13 years at the local ABC affiliate, WJLA. Per the Washington Post, the award-winning anchor was diagnosed in 2013 with a life-threatening condition called necrotizing pancreatitis, which led to organ failure and landed Harris in the intensive care unit for weeks. Harris, who started his career at CNN in Atlanta, has also been open about his alcohol addiction following DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022. He said after the latter arrest, “I made a terrible mistake. After drinking, I decided to get into my car and drive. This is the worst decision I could possibly have made.”
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