NBC anchor Leon Harris resigns for health reasons after slurring his words on air

After struggling through a Thanksgiving Day show, NBC4 reporter Leon Harris will “step back from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the Washington, D.C. station announced in a statement Monday.

“Last week, Leon appeared to be unwell while anchoring News4 at 6,” the affiliate news station said. We here at NBC4 – and you at home – care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern.”

On Nov. 28, Harris, 63, raised concerns among viewers after he slurred his words, stumbled through sentences and had difficulty pronouncing certain words during an evening newscast about local vandalism. Shortly after the post, he was pulled from his desk and meteorologist Ryan Miller said on television: “We’ve heard a lot from some of you by phone and email during this newscast. We would like to reassure you that our colleague Leon Harris is doing well. The News4 team looks forward to hearing from you.”

NBC4 did not disclose any specific health issues Harris may be facing.

Harris is an Emmy-winning Washington TV news veteran who joined NBC4 in 2017 after 13 years at local ABC affiliate WJLA. According to The Washington Post, the award-winning host was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition called necrotizing pancreatitis in 2013, which led to organ failure and landed Harris in the intensive care unit for weeks. Harris, who began his career at CNN in Atlanta, also opened up about his alcohol addiction following DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022. After the latter arrest, he said, “I made a terrible mistake.” After drinking, I decided to get in my car and drive off. This is the worst decision I could have ever made.”