Entertainment
Nyet! Tucker Carlson trashes claimed plan for TV show in Russia
By Jake Beardslee · September 25, 2023
In brief…
- Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24 ran ads for a show hosted by Tucker Carlson without his consent.
- Carlson denies knowledge and involvement with the purported show advertised as "Tucker Rossiya 24."
- Carlson remains popular on Russian TV for echoing Kremlin views on Ukraine and U.S. election interference.
Russia’s flagship state news channel, Rossiya 24, is promoting a new program claimed to be hosted by controversial right-wing U.S. TV host Tucker Carlson, apparently without his knowledge or consent.
Rossiya 24 has been running ads over the past week featuring Carlson repeatedly saying “Russia” and telling viewers, “The high-profile American presenter is moving to another level. Here!” The ads then display a “TUCKER ROSSIYA 24” logo.
However, when contacted by the Financial Times, Carlson said he was unaware of the planned show.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve never heard of this, or the channel. Of course, I’m not hosting a show on Russian television. That’s absurd. Please,” Carlson said in a text message. “I’ve never seen this. I have no clue what it’s about. More Russia-related bulls—t. There’s so much I can’t keep up.”
It remains unclear whether Rossiya 24 actually planned to rebroadcast Carlson’s show from another platform without his permission or feature different Russia-friendly content from the host. The channel did not respond to requests for comment from the Financial Times.
Carlson was once a popular figure on Kremlin-run outlets, which often replayed his dismissal of claims Russia interfered in U.S. elections. More recently, his statements echoing Russian talking points on the invasion of Ukraine have also earned airtime there