Jedediah Bila, the only right-leaning voice on ABC’s “The View,” announced Monday that she’s leaving the show to work on her upcoming book and to pursue other opportunities.
Ms. Bila, a libertarian independent who often sparred with her liberal co-hosts since joining the all-female panel last year, said during Monday’s broadcast that it would be her last appearance on the show.
“So, this is my last day at ’The View’ and I want to thank these ladies. What you don’t know about us is that these ladies, we’re really friends,” she said. “We’re going to be friends no matter what. But I want to thank you because I’m a little eccentric and you put up with me and this has been an amazing journey and I appreciate all of you.
“I want to thank the viewers, even the ones that write me the hate tweets,” she continued. “This is what I’m here for, I’m there to shake things up — in life, in television.”
Ms. Bila said she has “some good stuff on the way,” including a new book from Harper Collins, set to be released next year, and she’s getting married.
“This has been a really great experience. Mostly I want to speak to the viewers, we are nothing without you,” she said. “I appreciate the fact that you give me the time of day and a presence to make my voice heard. I hope you’ll join me in all my future endeavors, wherever they are, and I’m excited.”
“We rarely agree on anything,” co-host Sunny Hostin chimed in. “But I am honored to call you friend.”
“It’s great to have you here, because we need to have somebody who disagrees,” added co-host Joy Behar. “It’s never been personal and that has been good for the show.”
Co-host Sara Haines praised Ms. Bila for having the ability to break down complex issues so that the opposing side can better understand them.
“I’ve learned so much form you,” Ms. Haines said.
A note sent to “The View” staff regarding Ms. Bila’s departure read, “She’s been a spirited voice at the table over the past year, asking smart questions and challenging us all to think,” CNN reported.
“We want to thank Jed very much for all of her contributions and wish her great success with the next step in her career,” the note said.
Meanwhile, former Fox News host Meghan McCain, a Republican, is reportedly in talks to join “The View.”
Several sources familiar with the situation told CNN that the deal with Ms. McCain was in the “late stages” of being completed.
.@JedediahBila announces she is leaving @TheView: “This has been just an amazing journey.” pic.twitter.com/F2AKWbwJPG
— The View (@TheView) September 18, 2017
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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