Tucker Carlson’s first public appearance at a charity event in Alabama turned out to be a big hit, as the crowd gave the former Fox News host a standing ovation.
Carlson spoke at Rainbow Omega’s annual fundraising event on Thursday, a faith-based nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event was held at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, where Carlson was the featured speaker.
In his first public appearance since getting removed from Fox News, Tucker Carlson received a standing ovation during an event in Oxford, Alabama.
Americans stand with Tucker, not Fox🔥pic.twitter.com/oTDoFdMo5C
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 5, 2023
When Tucker Carlson appeared on stage, the crowd gave him a tremendous round of applause.
“Thank you,” Carlson said in response to the thunderous ovation he got. That ovation went on for about 20 seconds.
“I think I’m probably the first unemployed person ever invited to speak,” Carlson quipped to raucous laughter. “It’s funny, I never give speeches because I’m working. And when I accepted this speech, I don’t know six months ago or something, I didn’t realize how much free time I would have. One never knows, does one?”
Tucker Carlson gave a few reasons for why he chose the Rainbow Omega event to make his first public appearance since his Fox News exit.
“I do love Alabama,” he said. “But the second and maybe primary reason I wanted to come to this especially is because I, really in a sincere way, support what (Rainbow Omega does). Which is helping people, not in an abstract way but an actual way.”
During the hour-long speech, Carlson displayed humility and self-deprecation, qualities that endeared him to his conservative audience. The event was attended by a large crowd, and Carlson’s speech received emotional reactions from the audience.
A video clip of Carlson’s speech was posted on YouTube by a member of the audience. The clip shows that Carlson is still a beloved icon in the conservative movement, despite his departure from Fox News.
There have been reports that Carlson is working on a contract buyout with Fox News so that he can pursue other projects, such as hosting an independent GOP presidential debate. Carlson has not given any indication about his future plans, but his appearance at Rainbow Omega’s event has generated buzz about his potential as a public figure outside of Fox News.