Ms. Kelly has been silent as other Fox News personalities have defended Mr. Ailes, 76, who was accused of sexual harassment and sued by former anchor Gretchen Carlson. Fox News’ biggest star has since told lawyers hired by parent company 21st Century Fox to investigate Ailes that she experienced similar unwanted sexual advances from the Fox News chairman in the mid-2000s when she was a young correspondent in the Washington bureau. The Wall Street Journal, a publication that was part of the same company as 21st Century Fox until mid-2013, likewise reported that he was in negotiations to exit the network. The review is ongoing.
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The company’s assets include the 20th Century Fox film studio, the Fox television network, Asian pay channel operator STAR TV and a stake in European pay TV company Sky.
Carlson alleged that Ailes made comments about her physical appearance, and once told her that he would pick her to be stranded with on a desert island and that they should have had a sexual relationship long ago.
Estrich, in a statement, denied the Kelly harassment allegation. But the reports have likely hurt the executive’s standing.
The timing and terms of the departure of the man who turned Fox News into a media and political powerhouse were unclear on Tuesday evening.
Previous reports stated that Ailes was to depart Fox News, where he has been CEO since 1996. The approach appealed to conservatives. Fox spokesperson Irena Briganti emailed reporters a list of glowing remarks Kelly has made about Ailes over the years.
Kelly’s comments to investigators might explain why the Murdochs are moving so quickly to oust Ailes.
In her case, the former Miss America alleges the blustering media bigshot tried to coax her into having sex and then fired her when she rebuffed his advances after an 11-year run at Fox. By 2002, it had eclipsed the original cable news network, CNN, in ratings and has never looked back. Rupert Murdoch also is executive chairman of News Corp.
New York Magazine reported Monday that Rupert Murdoch and his sons Lachlan and James had decided that Ailes would soon be out.
David describes the charges as “a textbook example of quid pro quo sexual harassment”.
Ailes said the allegations were untrue and defamatory.
Susan Estrich, an attorney for Ailes, echoed that statement in an interview.
“When there is an agreement, if there is an agreement, 21st Century Fox will make an announcement”, Estrich said. “Put this aside and be professional”.
Mr. Ailes started Fox News at the behest of Mr. Murdoch, creating an alternative to more liberal competitors.
Ailes’ departure could lead to uncertainty at Fox News Channel because of the loyalty of many anchors. Some anchors are believed to have clauses in their contracts that could allow them to leave if Ailes doesn’t remain in power.
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Ailes had signed a multi-year contract extension just last year, and there is no clear succession plan in place.
