Emmy-winning television anchor Leon Harris is taking a medical leave of absence following a viral broadcast over Thanksgiving weekend in which he “appeared unwell” and spiked viewer concern, NBC4 Washington announced today.
“We have an update to share with you about our colleague, Leon Harris,” the statement began. “Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues.”
News reports and viral social media posts began Nov. 28 following the 6 p.m. broadcast, during which Harris appeared to slur his words, struggle with pronunciation and miss the ends of sentences. Many online remarked that the telecast was difficult to watch given Harris’ clear confusion and solid reputation as a veteran reporter.
“We’ve heard a lot from some of you through phone and email during this newscast,” weatherman Ryan Miller said at the time, after Harris was taken off-air minutes after commencing the report. “We want to assure you that our colleague, Leon Harris, is fine. The News4 Team appreciates your concern.”
A prominent journalist who has garnered more than a dozen local Emmys for his work, Harris has covered everything from the 1992 Los Angeles riots to the Sept. 11 Twin Tower bombings. A local news fixture, the former CNN anchor eventually joined NBC4 in 2017 after logging over a decade at the ABC-affiliated WJLA, per the Washington Post.
In September, Harris briefly stepped away from his role to recover from surgery after breaking his foot during a fall at his home. In 2013, he was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis, a life-threatening complication that led him to be hospitalized for weeks in an intensive care unit. The reporter has also been candid about his alcohol addiction and sobriety journey following two DUI arrests that same year and in 2022, respectively.
“We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern,” the company statement concluded.
