Bill O’Reilly Steps Back From Media Work After Health Issue

Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly announced Wednesday that he is temporarily stepping away from his media work after being sidelined by an undisclosed illness, assuring supporters that he expects to return soon and will continue communicating during his recovery.

The longtime television host shared the update in a message posted to his website, addressing his audience directly.

“Hey No Spin Nation,” O’Reilly wrote. “Sorry I am dealing with a malady. We have great doctors so we’ll fight the good fight.”

O’Reilly emphasized that while the illness has forced him to pause appearances, it has not stopped him from staying engaged with his audience.

“Doesn’t affect my fingers so will update you on me, news cycle and anything major,” O’Reilly wrote. “Hopefully, back in the saddle shortly.”

His absence was first noted Tuesday night when NewsNation host Chris Cuomo confirmed that O’Reilly would miss a scheduled appearance on the program.

“He is sick,” Cuomo said during his show. “He’ll be back soon.”

O’Reilly, 76, has hosted and produced No Spin News since departing Fox News in 2017, continuing his role as a prominent conservative media voice through digital platforms, podcasts, and syndicated appearances.

His exit from Fox News followed a New York Times report claiming that O’Reilly and the network paid nearly $13 million over 15 years to settle sexual harassment claims involving five women. Fox News canceled The O’Reilly Factor shortly after the report was published.

At the time, O’Reilly forcefully rejected the allegations.

“It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims,” O’Reilly said in a statement. “But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today.”

O’Reilly has consistently denied the accusations and maintained his innocence.

Before his departure, The O’Reilly Factor aired from October 1996 until April 2017 and ranked among the most-watched shows in cable news for much of its run. The program frequently topped ratings charts and helped make O’Reilly one of the most influential figures in American media for more than two decades.

Since leaving Fox News, O’Reilly has remained active as a commentator, author, and producer. In addition to No Spin News, he has appeared regularly on Cuomo’s NewsNation program, where the former cable news rivals discuss politics, media, and current events.

O’Reilly has also continued his work as an author and television producer. He served as an executive producer on several made-for-television films for National Geographic based on his bestselling nonfiction books, including Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus, and Killing Reagan. The Killing series has sold millions of copies worldwide and spawned multiple documentary-style productions.

He is currently preparing to release a new book, Confronting Evil: Assessing the Worst of the Worst, which examines the origins and behavior of some of history’s most notorious figures. According to the New York Post, the book includes chapters on figures ranging from Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.

O’Reilly did not disclose further details about his illness or offer a specific timeline for resuming regular programming, but said he intends to keep his audience informed as his recovery continues.

Following his announcement, supporters flooded social media with messages of encouragement.

“Hope you recover quickly, take care,” one user wrote on X.

“Get well soon, you’ve been missed,” another commenter said.

For now, O’Reilly said he remains focused on his health and expects to return to his media work in the near future.