Leon Harris, an anchor at NBC’s Washington-area affiliate WRC-TV, is off the air for health-related reasons, the station has announced.
“Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues. We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern,” the station wrote in a release Monday on its website.
The station did not mention a timeline for Mr. Harris’ return, nor did it say what health issues Mr. Harris is dealing with.
During the station’s Thanksgiving night broadcast, Mr. Harris slurred words and struggled with completing sentences and pronunciation, according to Variety.
Viewers had called into the station during the broadcast, leading meteorologist Ryan Miller to explain on-air that Mr. Harris was OK.
“We’ve heard a lot from some of you through phone and email during this newscast. We want to assure you that our colleague Leon Harris is fine. The News 4 team appreciates your concern and we’ll see you back here at 7:30,” Mr. Miller said, according to Adweek.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.