Ailes launched Fox News in 1996 and has led it to become the top rated cable news network and a big case generator for Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox.
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Fox News Channel anchor Gretchen Carlson, who hosted the afternoon show The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson and was a former co-host of Fox & Friends, has filed a lawsuit against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
Gretchen Carlson’s contract at the network expired late last month after a long stint as the co-host of the morning show Fox & Friends and almost three years hosting her own show in the afternoon.
Carlson is a well-regarded violinist who is both a Miss America victor and a Stanford University graduate who went on to study at Oxford University.
Here is the 21st Century Fox statement: “The Company has seen the allegations against Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy”.
Carlson, a former Miss America, said she was sacked on June 23. Her removal from “Fox & Friends” in 2013 was also a punitive move by Ailes, she claimed. “When Carlson met with Ailes to discuss the discriminatory treatment to which she was being subjected, Ailes stated: “I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago and then you’d be good and better and I’d be good and better, ‘ adding that ‘sometimes problems are easier to solve” that way”.
The former Miss America, crowned in 1989, published an autobiography titled “Getting Real” previous year where she encourages women to speak their minds.
Carlson’s lawsuit seeks unspecified compensation for damages. The complaint is available here. Carlson’s lawyer, Nancy Erika Smith, said she’d heard from other women at Fox who experienced similar behavior, but she would not identify them. “I had to stand up for myself and speak out for all women and the next generation of women in the workplace”.
Ailes also reportedly called Carlson a “man hater” and “killer”. Fox News has yet to officially comment on the allegations.
Ailes, 76 ogled her, commented about her legs, urged her to wear clothes, told her she was sexy but “too much hard work”. The evidence will show that Ailes deliberately sabotaged the career of a talented, hard-working journalist and loyal Fox News employee.
Fox News representatives did not immediately return requests for comment on the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Superior Court in New Jersey’s Bergen County.
“Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11-year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book”, Ailes said.
She said that Ailes was “razor sharp and inscrutable and we seemed to have a real connection. I value your support and friendship, especially now, so please stay in touch with me”.
The lawsuit demands damages in an amount to be determined at time of trial, but not to exceed the jurisdictional limits of this court.
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Television Producer Roger Ailes attends the Carnegie Hall 125th Season Opening Night Gala at Carnegie Hall on October 7, 2015 in New York City.
