Bill O’Reilly has opened up about the medical emergency that forced him off the air, revealing he spent four days hospitalized for what he describes as a hereditary internal bleeding condition.
The former Fox News personality shared new information about his health crisis in a column published Saturday on his personal website.
The disclosure came after he initially notified his audience last week that he was dealing with medical complications without providing specifics, Resist the Mainstream reported.
O’Reilly disclosed that the condition is hereditary and involves internal bleeding, which he said temporarily incapacitated him.
The veteran broadcaster expressed uncertainty about his long-term prognosis but maintained optimism about his recovery.
Dr. Ira Jacobson is leading O’Reilly’s medical team, according to the commentator.
O’Reilly praised his physicians while simultaneously criticizing government-controlled healthcare systems.
The conservative media figure did not hold back his views on socialized medicine during his health update.
He credited the American healthcare system for his treatment, suggesting he would have fared worse under a different model.
“Thank God we don’t have socialized medicine in this country,” O’Reilly stated in his column.
“I’d be in a dark container right now.”
O’Reilly said the response to his announcement caught him off guard.
He reported being shocked by the volume of reactions from viewers and followers after revealing his temporary broadcasting pause.
The commentator acknowledged that while most responses showed concern for his wellbeing, some individuals attempted to use the situation against him.
O’Reilly indicated that detractors tried to harm both him and his family during his medical crisis.
“Yes, a few usual suspects tried to damage me and my family further, and karma will deal with them,” O’Reilly wrote.
He added that supportive individuals vastly outnumber those with hostile intentions.
O’Reilly reflected on his faith while addressing his uncertain medical future.
The broadcaster referenced his Christian beliefs when discussing mortality and purpose.
“My Christian belief is that we are all here for a reason and there is, indeed, a time for every season,” O’Reilly explained.
He noted that the duration of his life remains outside his control.
The media personality acknowledged that others face more severe health challenges than his own.
O’Reilly placed his situation in perspective while expressing gratitude for the support he received.
O’Reilly provided an additional update Friday, confirming he was receiving treatment at a New York City medical facility.
He indicated he was already making preparations for his return to broadcasting during his hospital stay.
The commentator hosts “No Spin News” on weeknight evenings, a program he launched in August 2017.
O’Reilly also appears regularly on NewsNation programming, including appearances on “On Balance with Leland Vittert” and “CUOMO.”
O’Reilly announced Monday that he would resume hosting his nightly broadcast that evening. The return came after what he described as a brief hiatus from his regular schedule.
Fox News terminated O’Reilly’s employment in April 2017 following multiple sexual harassment allegations.
O’Reilly launched his independent broadcasting venture several months after his departure from the cable network. He has consistently denied the harassment claims made against him.
He established “No Spin News” as an independent platform following his exit from Fox News.
