Details About Olbermann’s Firing Emerge: Complained Car Drivers ‘Smelled’ and ‘Talked to Him’

Erica Ritz

Alleged details surrounding Keith Olbermann's Friday dismissal from Current TV are beginning to depict the man as quite a prima donna. (Related: Keith Olbermann Fired from Current TV, Replaced by Eliot Spitzer) According to Mediaite, a source at Current TV said the former Countdown host went through eight different car services while working at the network, complaining that the drivers "smelled" and "talked to him." Furthermore, though Olbermann's $250,000 studio was built to his exact specifications, he allegedly refused to use the set when there were lighting problems back in December. Not only that, but he refused to let guest hosts use the elaborate studio. Current TV is also claiming that Olbermann refused to publicize the network and the show when he wasn't hosting his program (and he took about half of January and February off). They say he even barred his staff from sending out related Twitter updates, and prevented guest hosts from promoting the show. (Jealous that they would get better ratings, perhaps?) Network co-founders Al Gore and Joel Hyatt explained in a letter to viewers: “We created Current to give voice to those Americans who refuse to rely on corporate-controlled media and are seeking an authentic progressive outlet. We are more committed to those goals today than ever before...Current was also founded on the values of respect, openness, collegiality, and loyalty to our viewers. Unfortunately these values are no longer reflected in our relationship with Keith Olbermann and we have ended it.” Keith Olbermann responded: “The claims against me implied in Current’s statement are untrue.” He added that the network didn’t keep its “promises and obligations and investing in a quality news program.” Perhaps "quality" for Olbermann means eight different car services, but Mediaite notes that the network is "no worse off without him, and a good deal more flush." Better days for Olbermann, when he was naming the "Worst Person in the World":