Veteran NBC Anchor Leon Harris Quits After Troubling On-Air Incident — “Health Scare Forces Shocking Exit from TV News”

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Washington D.C.’s media landscape, veteran NBC4 anchor Leon Harris has officially announced his departure from WRC-TV — just four months after a troubling on-air incident that raised serious concerns among viewers.

Harris, a familiar face in D.C. journalism for over four decades, confirmed on Tuesday, April 8, that he is stepping away from television for good, citing his need to prioritize health and family after what he describes as a relentless career in an industry under dramatic transformation.

“After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4,” Harris wrote in a statement posted online.

“This is the right time to prioritize my health and family”

His decision comes after a disturbing Thanksgiving broadcast in November 2024, when Harris appeared to slur his words, stumble through a teleprompter read, and visibly struggle to maintain composure — a moment that quickly went viral on social media and sparked widespread speculation about his health.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Someone needs to check on Leon Harris.

 That segment was hard to watch.”

Another commented, “This isn’t the Leon Harris I know.

 I hope he’s okay.”

WRC meteorologist Ryan Miller addressed the situation live on air, assuring concerned viewers that Harris was “fine” and thanking them for their support — but four days later, the station announced Harris would be taking a leave of absence to address unspecified health issues.

Now, that leave of absence has become permanent.

NBC4 confirmed Harris’ exit on social media, praising his eight years of service while acknowledging the finality of his decision: “We are grateful for Leon’s dedication to our community, his hard work, and his friendship.

 He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

A Career Marked by Triumph and Turmoil

Harris joined NBC4 in 2017 after a 13-year tenure at ABC affiliate WJLA.

But behind the polished broadcast persona, the veteran journalist has long struggled with deeply personal battles — including public admissions of alcoholism and multiple DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022.

In a candid 2022 broadcast following his arrest that January, Harris told viewers, “I let a lot of people down… I’ve sought intensive help to get control of this disease of alcoholism.”

Following that arrest, Harris was removed from the anchor desk, only to be reinstated months later.

A judge sentenced him to one year in jail — with all but 10 days suspended — and three years of probation.

“I’ve learned this problem is treatable,” Harris told WRC in an emotional interview at the time.

“With the help of my family, friends, and professional advisers, I’m committed to embracing recovery and sobriety.”

Despite his efforts to rehabilitate both personally and professionally, the pressure of live television and the weight of past struggles seemingly caught up with him during the now-infamous November 2024 broadcast — an incident that will likely be remembered as a pivotal turning point in his career.

The End of an Era

As Harris bows out of the public spotlight, his story serves as a stark reminder of the unseen battles that many public figures face — even as they deliver the nightly news with practiced calm.

His departure leaves a significant void at NBC4, where he was more than just a familiar face — he was a trusted voice in Washington journalism.

“It’s been an honor,” Harris wrote in his farewell.

“Thank you.”

But for many viewers in D.C., the real story isn’t just about a career ending — it’s about a man confronting his past, owning his struggles, and choosing, finally, to put his health and family first.

In an industry that demands perfection at all costs, perhaps that’s the bravest broadcast of all.