DNYUZ
  • Home
  • News
    • U.S.
    • World
    • Politics
    • Opinion
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Culture
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Television
    • Theater
    • Gaming
    • Sports
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Autos
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
No Result
View All Result
DNYUZ
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Local NBC anchor Leon Harris who went viral for shaky news segment before resignation admits months later he was boozed up

May 15, 2025
in News
Local NBC anchor Leon Harris who went viral for shaky news segment before resignation admits months later he was boozed up
493
SHARES
1.4k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The award-winning DC-based anchor who went viral on Thanksgiving for a cringeworthy news segment finally revealed this week he was boozed up on air – and didn’t even realize how shaky he was.

Now-former NBC4 Washington journalist Leon Harris addressed the uncomfortable moment in which he struggled mightily while delivering the news, including stumbling over words and awkward hesitations. 

He said he had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner within four hours between shows, but that was enough to push him off kilter.

Now-former NBC4 Washington journalist Leon Harris addressed the uncomfortable moment in which he struggled mightily while delivering the news
Former NBC4 Washington journalist Leon Harris addressed the uncomfortable moment in which he struggled mightily while delivering the news. DarynKagan.com

“I ended drinking in between shows and then went on the air and I was more affected than I thought I was, even at the time I felt I was perfectly fine,” he told former CNN co-anchor Daryn Kagan in her new YouTube show, “Call Me Friend.”

“I ended up getting pulled off the air. People were calling, they were thinking that I was having a stroke. It was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me.”

“My body has changed and I can’t drink anymore,” added Harris, who had faced past drinking problems. “And I didn’t realize it.”

Harris said his boss had to come into the station on the Thanksgiving holiday and instructed him to get in an Uber to go home.

He took a leave of absence following the broadcast — a video of which quickly spread across social media — and last month jointly announced with NBC4 Washington that he was leaving the station for good.

“I kind of knew it was coming, but the station just felt it was too much of a negative event, it was too well-publicized that they didn’t feel comfortable in bringing me back,” Harris told Kagan. “Even though I left, I went immediately into rehab.”

Harris said he had a couple glasses of wine with dinner within four hours between shows, but that was enough to push him off kilter.
Harris said he had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner within four hours between shows, but that was enough to push him off kilter. NBC 4 Washington

When he announced his permanent departure, he said it was a “difficult decision” but that he had to focus on his health after 40 years of non-stop work. At the time, he didn’t provide more details.

Harris previously worked at CNN with Kagan, the interviewer, and other local DC stations. The talented broadcaster covered a myriad of historic news events, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the OJ Simpson trial and the 9/11 terror attacks.

He also won numerous local Emmy awards.

Harris said his boss had to come into the station on the Thanksgiving holiday and instructed him to get in an Uber to go home.
Harris said his boss had to come into the station on the Thanksgiving holiday and instructed him to get in an Uber to go home. NBC 4 Washington

The journalist said it was gut-wrenching when he first viewed viral footage of his “career-altering” screw-up.

“It was like ‘oh my god,’ I had no idea that I was that far gone,” he said. “And it was clear and it was obvious.”

Harris previously spoke about his struggle with alcohol in March 2022 after he ran into trouble for crashing into another car while driving under the influence.

“I’ve had a battle with alcoholism,” he said this week. “I did not really fully appreciate that.”

When he announced his permanent departure, he said it was a “difficult decision” but that he had to focus on his health after 40 years of non-stop work. At the time, he didn't provide more details.
When he announced his permanent departure, he said it was a “difficult decision” but that he had to focus on his health after 40 years of non-stop work. At the time, he didn’t provide more details. NBC 4 Washington

The broadcast journalist said he still gets phone calls from concerned friends who only recently saw the shocking video, but he reassured them he’s in better shape now.

He said he hasn’t thought of having a drink since Dec. 14, 2024, after getting crucial help, but might always be reminded of the difficult moment.

“And knowing that it’s on the internet and still alive is something that I’ll never be able to live down,” Harris said. 

The post Local NBC anchor Leon Harris who went viral for shaky news segment before resignation admits months later he was boozed up appeared first on New York Post.

Tags: NBCnews anchorsViral VideosWashington DC
Share197Tweet123Share
Sudan: UN calls for end of el-Fasher siege in Darfur
News

Sudan: UN condemns ‘atrocities’ in el-Fasher

by Deutsche Welle
October 30, 2025

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to military escalation in on Thursday, after the World Health Organization ...

Read more
News

Nationwide penny shortage leaves retailers struggling to make change

October 30, 2025
News

Amy Pascal To Be Honored With David O. Selznick Achievement Award At PGAs

October 30, 2025
News

I Now Mispronounce You the Likely Next Mayor of New York City

October 30, 2025
News

‘SNL’ Star Calls Out ‘New Things’ Happening to Trump’s Brain

October 30, 2025
Nearly 37K VA employees missing paychecks thanks to monthlong government shutdown

Nearly 37K VA employees missing paychecks thanks to monthlong government shutdown

October 30, 2025
Suspect in case whose prosecutors were tagged for Jan. 6 reference to appear in court

Suspect in case whose prosecutors were tagged for Jan. 6 reference to appear in court

October 30, 2025
6 New Books We Love This Week

6 New Books We Love This Week

October 30, 2025

Copyright © 2025.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • U.S.
    • World
    • Politics
    • Opinion
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Sports
    • Television
    • Theater
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Autos
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel

Copyright © 2025.