NBC4 News in Washington, D.C. issued a statement on Monday, Dec. 2 saying that news anchor Leon Harris, 63, would be 'stepping away' from the anchor desk to 'focus on health issues' after several viewers expressed concern for him after he struggled to read the teleprompter during a Thanksgiving broadcast.

NBC4 Washington has announced that its nightly anchor, Leon Harris, will be stepping away to focus on his health. The update comes after Harris, 63, appeared to stumble over his words while giving the Thanksgiving telecast, sparking viewer concern.

NBC4 Washington acknowledged Monday that veteran anchor Leon Harris “appeared unwell” when he struggled through a news segment last week – while announcing he was “stepping away” for health reasons. The well-known broadcaster raised eyebrows on Thanksgiving when he stumbled over his words and awkwardly hesitated at times while delivering local news.

After struggling through an evening news broadcast last week, NBC4 newscaster Leon Harris will be “stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the Washington D.C. station said in a statement shared during Monday’s evening news and on social media.

Emmy-winning television anchor Leon Harris is taking a medical leave of absence following a viral broadcast over Thanksgiving weekend in which he “appeared unwell” and spiked viewer concern, NBC4 Washington announced today.

Leon Harris, 63, was seen struggling to get through his scheduled news segment on Thursday night, missing the ends of sentences and slurring throughout the 6pm show.