Leon Harris, the NBC4 Washington anchor who sparked public concern about his health in November, is stepping down from his role at the station.

Harris, 63, confirmed his departure in a Tuesday statement released on the official NBC4 website, which was also shared on social media.

The news comes five months after Harris went viral for his appearance in a Thanksgiving broadcast, during which he seemed to struggle stringing words together. He subsequently took a medical leave of absence.

“Many of you have kindly asked about me over the past few months,” Harris said. “As you know, I took time off to focus on my health and family. After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4.”

While Harris did not provide any specifics on his condition, the newscaster added that “this is the right time to prioritize my health and family.”

“I’m grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years,” Harris concluded. “A special thanks to my amazing colleagues, friends, and especially to our viewers who welcomed me into their homes. It’s been an honor.”

In its own statement, NBC4 said the news outlet is “grateful” for Harris’ nearly decade-long tenure.

“We thank him for his commitment to our community, dedication to journalism, hard work, and friendship,” NBC4 said. “He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Prior to his stint at NBC, Harris worked as an anchor at CNN and ABC affiliate WJLA-TV. He has won more than a dozen local Emmy Awards, including two for best local news anchor, according to a biography on the NBC4 website.

Leon Harris health concerns led to public scrutiny

Harris has openly discussed his issues with alcohol in the past, though it’s unclear if the November 2024 incident was related to his struggle with substance abuse. The journalist previously suffered from a near-fatal case of necrotizing pancreatitis, according to a 2013 interview with CNN.

Soon after Harris’ troubling Thanksgiving broadcast, prayers and concerns trickled in for the newscaster, but not before speculation went rampant. “Pull him & get him some help!” one X user wrote at the time.

Experts warn that while it’s OK to wonder about the health of public figures — or anyone in your life — people should remember that everyone deserves respect amid a medical scare.

Because celebrities live their lives in the public eye, “some people can inappropriately believe they are entitled to every aspect of their life, which is untrue,” Chase Cassine, licensed clinical social worker, previously told USA TODAY.

“Celebrities and public figures are humans and deserve the fundamental human right of autonomy and self-determination by controlling what aspects of their lives will be self-disclosed.”

Leon Harris speculation: He stepped away for ‘health issues.’ Why you shouldn’t gossip.

Just because someone is in the public eye doesn’t render them immune to pain or suffering — from a serious health condition or gossip.

“Instead of speculating and spreading false information, people should allow a safe and respectful space for the person whether they are providing information on their protected health information or not,” Cassine said. “They are not obligated to do so.”

Contributing: David Oliver, USA TODAY