Bill O’Reilly, 76, Steps Away from Podcast While Battling Mystery Health Issue — the longtime media personality has revealed he is dealing with an undisclosed illness, prompting him to briefly slow down his regular podcast schedule.
In a blog post published Tuesday, Jan. 20, O’Reilly addressed his audience directly, explaining that he is currently managing a health concern but remains optimistic about recovery. Writing on his website, BillOReilly.com, he reassured supporters that he is under medical care and staying engaged despite the setback.
“Hey No Spin Nation. Sorry I am dealing with a malady,” O’Reilly wrote. “We have great doctors so we’ll fight the good fight. It doesn’t affect my fingers, so I’ll keep updating you on me, the news cycle, and anything major. Hopefully, back in the saddle shortly.”
Staying Engaged Despite Health Challenges
True to his word, O’Reilly continued sharing commentary throughout the week. In a follow-up post on Thursday, Jan. 22, he emphasized that his illness has not sidelined his interest in current events.
“No Spin Nation alert. I’m not giving in to this malady and am following news events as usual,” he wrote, signaling that while his podcast appearances may be limited, his voice remains active through written updates.
Although O’Reilly did not provide details about the nature of his illness, his messages struck a determined tone, suggesting he expects the pause to be temporary.
A Controversial Media Legacy
O’Reilly is best known for hosting The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News, a role he held from 1996 until 2017. His tenure came to an abrupt end following multiple sexual harassment allegations, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the network.
According to reports published in 2017, five women received a combined $13 million from O’Reilly and Fox News in settlements that included non-disclosure agreements. These agreements spanned several years, from 2002 to 2016, and involved women who either worked with O’Reilly or appeared on his program.
Fox News announced at the time that the decision to part ways followed a “thorough and careful review” of the allegations. O’Reilly consistently denied the claims, calling them “unfounded,” and expressed disappointment over the end of his career at the network.
“It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims,” O’Reilly said in a 2017 statement. “But that is the unfortunate reality many public figures must face.”
His departure followed closely after Fox News CEO Roger Ailes also stepped down amid similar accusations, marking a turbulent period for the network.
Allegations Resurface and Life After Fox News
In 2021, Andrea Mackris, a former Fox News producer who had accused O’Reilly of harassment years earlier, spoke publicly about her experience after reportedly breaking her NDA. Mackris detailed her allegations and the legal battle that followed, reigniting public discussion around the case.
Despite the controversies, O’Reilly rebuilt his media presence after leaving Fox News. In April 2017, he launched No Spin News, creating an independent platform to continue political commentary. He has also remained active as an author, co-writing multiple books with Martin Dugard, including the 2024 release Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden.
Recent Public Appearances
Beyond media and publishing, O’Reilly has continued to make public appearances. In October, he attended a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House honoring the late Charlie Kirk, highlighting his ongoing involvement in political and cultural circles.
For now, O’Reilly’s supporters are watching closely as he navigates his health challenge. While details remain limited, his own words suggest determination and a desire to return fully to his routine in the near future.
