The Bill O'Reilly era at Fox News is over, but the controversy continues.

Fox News announced Wednesday in a statement that the now-former "O'Reilly Factor" host would not be returning from vacation in the wake of numerous sexual harassment allegations coming to light. The network initially stuck with O'Reilly after an April 1 New York Times report revealed he had paid $13 million in settlements to five women who had accused him of sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior since 2002. (O'Reilly has denied these claims.) However, the situation changed after more than 50 advertisers stepped away from his show and activism groups called on 21st Century Fox to sever ties with O'Reilly.

The pressure didn't come from just one side, though. "O'Reilly Factor" fans encouraged the network to stand by their man. Even President Trump commented, voicing his support for the conservative pundit in early April. Yet, that wasn't enough to save his job; the company said Wednesday that 21st Century Fox and O'Reilly "agreed" that he wouldn't return.

O'Reilly may have agreed, but he clearly wasn't happy about it. He commented on the issue Wednesday, calling it "tremendously disheartening" and labeling the claims "completely unfounded," according to the Washington Post.

Not surprisingly, there were very mixed reactions on Twitter. Some people were pretty gleeful, including a couple of celebrities.

And some people were seriously upset.

It might take a while for the heated reactions to die down, but however you feel about the news, O'Reilly is out. His 8 p.m. time slot has gone to Tucker Carlson.

[via: The New York Times; Washington Post]