NBC Washington anchor Leon Harris is taking time away from the station to focus on his health, the station said, after viewers became concerned during his appearance on a broadcast last week.
NBC Washington shared a statement about Harris during its evening news and on social media Dec. 2.
“Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the statement said. “We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern.”
The statement did not elaborate on the health issues Harris was focusing on.
Harris appeared to struggle through the evening news on Nov. 28, stumbling as he read the news report via a teleprompter on the station’s Thanksgiving broadcast.
He was taken off the air within minutes of the segment starting, prompting concern from viewers and on social media.
One of the station’s meteorologists later said NBC Washington had heard “a lot” from viewers during the newscast about Harris’ well-being.
“We want to assure you that our colleague Leon Harris is fine,” he said on air.
Harris anchors “News4 at 4” and “News4 at 5.” He joined the station after 21 years at CNN and 14 years at ABC affiliate WJLA-TV, according to the station’s website.