Tucker Carlson’s lawyers respond to Fox News’ allegation of contract violation: report

Per Axios, the letter reads, "Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Carlson’s 'services shall be completely exclusive to Fox."

The letter adds Carlson's contract emphasizes he is "prohibited from rendering services of any type whatsoever, whether 'over the internet via streaming or similar distribution, or other digital distribution whether now known or hereafter devised.'"

READ MORE: Tucker Carlson exits Fox News

In April, after the network fired Carlson, The Washington Post'sTaylor Lorenz wrote the host "could become even more influential — and more dangerous," adding, "While people are celebrating right now, (Carlson) could simply make the jump to a platform like Rumble and become a powerful far- right influencer and end up doing even more damage and still make millions of dollars with even less oversight."

According to Axios, shortly after Carlson aired the first episode of his new show "Tucker" via Twitter Tuesday night, "Fox News general counsel Bernard Gugar sent a letter to Carlson's lawyers saying Carlson 'is in breach' of his contract agreement."

However, the ex-Fox News host's attorney told Axios "any legal action by Fox would violate" Carlson's "First Amendment rights."

One lawyer, Bryan Freedman said, "Fox defends its very existence on freedom of speech grounds. Now they want to take Tucker Carlson's right to speak freely away from him because he took to social media to share his thoughts on current events."

READ MORE: Tucker Carlson, Fox News and the problem of faking 'authenticity'

Axios reports, "A breach of contract claim sets Fox News up to explore potential legal action against Carlson, a move that would intensify the already thorny public battle between the two parties."

READ MORE: How Tucker Carlson could become even more dangerous after Fox News

Axios' full report is available at this link.