A well-known anchor based in DC shared this week that he went viral on Thanksgiving due to a rather painful news segment.
Former NBC4 Washington reporter Leon Harris spoke about the difficult moments he faced while delivering the news, including stammering and struggling with his words.
He mentioned that he had a couple of glasses of wine during dinner within a four-hour period before the broadcast, which, I guess, didn’t help his performance.
“I was drinking between shows, and by the time it aired, I was more affected than I realized. On her new YouTube show, ‘Call Me Friend.’
“People started calling in, thinking I was having a stroke,” he recalled.
Harris, who has had previous issues with alcohol, admitted, “My body has changed, and I can’t drink anymore. I didn’t realize that.”
He also mentioned that his boss had to come into the station on Thanksgiving to ensure he got home safely via Uber.
After the incident gained attention online, he decided to take a break and later announced that he was leaving NBC4 Washington permanently.
“I knew it was on the horizon, but the station felt too familiar—it was hard for them to keep bringing me back after so many negative moments,” Harris told Kagan. “Even if I stepped away, I would head to rehab immediately.”
When he made his departure public, he described it as a “tough decision,” emphasizing the need to prioritize his health after 40 years in the industry. He didn’t elaborate much at that time.
Harris has worked with various networks like CNN and reported on numerous significant events, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the OJ Simpson trial, and the September 11 attacks.
His work has earned him several local Emmy Awards.
He described watching the viral clip of his broadcast as startling, saying, “I couldn’t believe it—it felt surreal. I didn’t think I was that far gone.”
Harris, who faced legal troubles in March 2022 after a DUI incident where he collided with another car, has been open about his struggles with addiction. He was driving under the influence.
“I’ve had my battles with alcoholism,” he reflected this week. “There were times I wasn’t truly grateful for the help.”
Harris mentioned he had been called by someone who witnessed the shocking footage, though he reassured listeners that he is in a better place now.
He shared that he hasn’t thought about drinking since December 14, 2024, after receiving crucial support, even though the memories of tough times linger.
“Knowing that footage is still on the internet is something I’ll always struggle with,” Harris admitted.
