After struggling via a broadcast on Thanksgiving Day, NBC4 reporter Leon Harris might be “stepping away from the anchor desk to deal with well being points,” the Washington, D.C., station introduced in an announcement on Monday.
“Last week, Leon appeared unwell whereas anchoring News4 at 6,” mentioned the affiliate information channel. We right here at NBC4 — and also you at dwelling — care deeply about Leon and want him effectively. We thanks to your concern.”
On Nov. 28, the 63-year-old Harris brought about concern from viewers after he slurred his phrases, stumbled via sentences and struggled to pronounce sure phrases throughout a night information section about native vandalism. Shortly after the section he was pulled off the desk, and meteorologist Ryan Miller mentioned on-air, “We’ve heard rather a lot from a few of you thru telephone and e-mail throughout this newscast. We wish to guarantee you that our colleague, Leon Harris, is okay. The News4 crew appreciates your concern.”
NBC4 didn’t disclose any particular well being points Harris could also be going through.
Harris is a Emmy-winning TV information veteran in Washington, becoming a member of NBC4 in 2017 after 13 years on the native ABC affiliate, WJLA. Per the Washington Post, the award-winning anchor was identified in 2013 with a life-threatening situation referred to as necrotizing pancreatitis, which led to organ failure and landed Harris within the intensive care unit for weeks. Harris, who began his profession at CNN in Atlanta, has additionally been open about his alcohol habit following DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022. He mentioned after the latter arrest, “I made a horrible mistake. After ingesting, I made a decision to get into my automobile and drive. This is the worst resolution I may probably have made.”
