Health
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O'Donnell's Health Issue Delays MSNBC's "Last Word"
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell Sidelined by Infection, Show Continues with Guest Hosts
MSNBC anchor Lawrence O'Donnell's absence from "The Last Word" has extended beyond his planned week-long break due to a health issue. Initially, O'Donnell announced on March 12th, during a conversation with Rachel Maddow, that he would take a week off due to exhaustion from covering Donald Trump's administration. He stated, "This is day 52...and I’m exhausted at day 52, and so I’m going to take next week off."
However, on March 27th, O'Donnell revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had contracted an infection, prolonging his absence. He tweeted, "My week off turned into 2 weeks after I picked up an infection. Expect to be back @TheLastWord next week." Despite this statement, he missed the March 31st broadcast, with MSNBC reporter Symone Sanders filling in. As of this writing, O'Donnell's return date remains unconfirmed, though he has expressed hope to return soon.
The unexpected absence sparked speculation among viewers regarding the show's future. Concerns about "The Last Word" being cancelled were fueled by O'Donnell's extended leave and the lack of immediate clarification from the network. To address these concerns, MSNBC released an audio version of the program on YouTube, confirming that the show continues to air.
Guest hosts, including Jonathan Capehart, Ali Velshi, Jen Psaki, and Symone Sanders, have stepped in during O'Donnell's absence. Fans and viewers have expressed their well wishes for O'Donnell's recovery and anticipation for his return to his nightly commentary. O'Donnell, 73, has hosted "The Last Word" since 2010, providing political analysis and commentary on current events. His absence comes amidst other recent changes at MSNBC, including the departure of several prominent anchors.
MSNBC anchor Lawrence O'Donnell's absence from "The Last Word" has extended beyond his planned week-long break due to a health issue. Initially, O'Donnell announced on March 12th, during a conversation with Rachel Maddow, that he would take a week off due to exhaustion from covering Donald Trump's administration. He stated, "This is day 52...and I’m exhausted at day 52, and so I’m going to take next week off."
However, on March 27th, O'Donnell revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had contracted an infection, prolonging his absence. He tweeted, "My week off turned into 2 weeks after I picked up an infection. Expect to be back @TheLastWord next week." Despite this statement, he missed the March 31st broadcast, with MSNBC reporter Symone Sanders filling in. As of this writing, O'Donnell's return date remains unconfirmed, though he has expressed hope to return soon.
The unexpected absence sparked speculation among viewers regarding the show's future. Concerns about "The Last Word" being cancelled were fueled by O'Donnell's extended leave and the lack of immediate clarification from the network. To address these concerns, MSNBC released an audio version of the program on YouTube, confirming that the show continues to air.
Guest hosts, including Jonathan Capehart, Ali Velshi, Jen Psaki, and Symone Sanders, have stepped in during O'Donnell's absence. Fans and viewers have expressed their well wishes for O'Donnell's recovery and anticipation for his return to his nightly commentary. O'Donnell, 73, has hosted "The Last Word" since 2010, providing political analysis and commentary on current events. His absence comes amidst other recent changes at MSNBC, including the departure of several prominent anchors.
