In a statement, Fox parent company 21st Century Fox said: “We regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve”.
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While Carlson’s $20 million payout may seem steep, Ailes himself received $40 million in severance pay when fired from Fox News – sparking outcry from those who felt Carlson’s claims – along with those made by several other women since – should have had him exiting with nothing.
Ailes, 76, was sued for alleged sexual harassment in July by Carlson, who claimed she was sacked for spurning his sexual advances and complaining about his conduct. I want to thank all the courageous women who came forward to tell their own stories and the many people across the country who embraced and supported me in their #StandWithGretchen.
Ailes, despite being named in the lawsuit, will not be paying any of the $20 million.
But 21st Century effectively surrendered after two months of withering publicity about the suit and an alleged culture of harassment at Fox fostered by Ailes.
Carlson has voluntarily dismissed her federal lawsuit in New Jersey against Ailes, a court filing shows. And that confirms previous concerns about the impartiality of the investigation, which was handled by Fox News’ parent company.
In a possibly related development, Fox News anchor Greta Van Susteren said she is leaving the cable news channel, effective immediately, after more than a decade hosting an evening public-affairs discussion program.
As the investigation proceeded behind closed doors, media outlets reported that the “harassment and intimidation” inside Fox News “went beyond Mr. Ailes and suggested a broader problem in the workplace”.
Ailes attorney of choice: Charles Harder – who helped Hulk Hogan win his defamation suit against website Gawker – and is also handling a libel case against The Daily Mail for Melania Trump – wife of Donald – who Ailes is advising on his presidential run.
Another former Fox personality, Andrea Tantaros, has filed a harassment lawsuit against the network.
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Roger Ailes, the former Fox News chairman. He built it into a dominant news network and a force in Republican politics.
