Emmy-winning television anchor Leon Harris is taking a medical leave of absence following a viral broadcast over Thanksgiving weekend in which he “appeared unwell” and spiked viewer concern, NBC4 Washington announced today.

The 63-year-old news anchor stumbled over his words and spoke incoherently during the evening news, as seen in a clip posted to X.

After struggling through an evening news broadcast last week, NBC4 newscaster Leon Harris will be “stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the Washington D.C. station said in a statement shared during Monday’s evening news and on social media.

Leon Harris, the NBC4 Washington news anchor who appeared to be struggling to read a teleprompter during a Thanksgiving night broadcast, is now stepping away from his job. NBC4 shared an update on Monday,

Due to health concerns, Leon Harris is stepping down from his role at NBC4 Washington. This announcement followed his appearance during the Thanksgiving evening broadcast, where he seemed unwell, raising concerns among viewers.

WRC-TV anchor Leon Harris is taking a leave of absence to deal with a health issue after he stumbled during a recent newscast. This article, WRC-TV says Leon Harris taking leave, cites health issue, was first published at The Desk.