Several U.S. gossip news sites in the past few days have reported that Rachel Marsen has "left the building" of Fox News (h/t to Rusty Idol). However, reports that the ex-stalker went kicking and screaming have been refuted from a first-person witness:
note to inquiring Red Eye viewers: I will no longer be appearing on the show, as I have been told that it is heading in a "different direction" from its inception, and I am the "first casualty". As a political and news commentator, being a panelist on what had become a totally off-the-wall-and-into-orbit show was an interesting experience. It was also the first time that I was ever considered the "sane one" on any program, so I am grateful for that unique opportunity and wish the boys the very best of luck.
The first time she was ever considered the sane one, eh?
Things were oh-so-very different just a few months ago. From a March 29 Salon article:
Given the speed with which she moved from O'Reilly contributor to a regular gig, it is clear that someone at Fox really wanted Marsden, and really liked what they got. "Red Eye" senior producer Shelly Stevenson explained by phone that she didn't make the initial call on hiring Marsden for the program, but as the executive on the show, is a big fan. "Political expertise is what she brings to the show," said Stevenson. And it's true that Marsden was recently called upon to explain a reference to the Gulf of Tonkin to her slack-jawed co-hosts. "She has very passionate opinions," continued Stevenson, "she's articulate, intelligent, and we get a lot of favorable mail about her; I think the viewers connect with her." Stevenson also raved about Marsden personally, calling her "lovely, a team player who can't do enough for the show. From the bottom of my heart I like her very much, and I respect her." Stevenson confirmed that it would be fair to say that Fox is grooming Marsden.
How unfair, then, that this lovely team player with whom viewers connect would be the first casualty of a different direction.
How ironic if they wanted someone crazier.