Fox News demands Media Matters stop publishing Tucker Carlson leaks

Fox News has issued a cease-and-desist order to left-wing watchdog group Media Matters for America over its publication of leaked behind-the-scenes footage of former host Tucker Carlson making crude comments and criticizing the network while off-the-air.

In the aftermath of Carlson's departure from the network, the watchdog group has begun to post video footage of the former host under a series of "FOXLEAKS" articles that show him bantering with staff or making jokes that some might find offensive.

Fox this week asked the watchdog to cease distribution the videos, saying "[t]hat unaired footage is Fox’s confidential intellectual property; Fox did not consent to its distribution or publication; and Fox does not consent to its further distribution or publication," according to The Hill.

Attorneys for the network further demanded that Media Matters "cease and desist from distribution, publication, and misuse of Fox’s misappropriated proprietary footage, which you are now on notice was unlawfully obtained."

Media Matters President Angelo Carusone defended his publication to The Hill, saying "reporting on newsworthy leaked material is a cornerstone of journalism. For Fox to argue otherwise is absurd and further dispels any pretense that they’re a news operation."

The videos have shown Tucker asking his makeup artist as to the goings on of the women's bathroom, including whether women actually powder their noses. He further has referred to a woman as "yummy" and discussed the failings of the "Fox Nation" website, which formerly hosted the network's short-lived streaming service.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.