Fox News host Bill O’Reilly responded to a report Saturday that five women received a total of $13 million in settlement payouts after they accused him of harassment.
In a statement posted to his website O’Reilly didn’t deny the report, but did say that as a “prominent and controversial” figure he is “vulnerable to lawsuits from individuals.”
“Just like other prominent and controversial people, I’m vulnerable to lawsuits from individuals who want me to pay them to avoid negative publicity,” O’Reilly said. “In my more than 20 years at Fox News Channel, no one has ever filed a complaint about me with the Human Resources Department, even on the anonymous hotline.”
“But most importantly, I’m a father who cares deeply for my children and who would do anything to avoid hurting them in any way. And so I have put to rest any controversies to spare my children,” he added. “The worst part of my job is being a target for those who would harm me and my employer, the Fox News Channel. Those of us in the arena are constantly at risk, as are our families and children. My primary efforts will continue to be to put forth an honest TV program and to protect those close to me.”
An investigation by the New York Times found either O’Reilly or Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, paid five women a total of $13 million in exchange for agreeing to not pursue litigation or speak about their accusations of sexual harassment or other types of inappropriate behavior.
The women, not identified in the report, either worked for O’Reilly or appeared on his show. The accusations date at least as far back as 2002.
It was just last summer that Fox News’ former chairman, Roger Ailes, resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal. At the time, the network said it did not tolerate behavior that “disrespects women or contributes to an uncomfortable work environment.”
A statement from 21st Century Fox said the company “looked into these matters over the last few months and discussed them” with O’Reilly.
“21st Century Fox takes matters of workplace behavior very seriously,” the statement sent to the Times read. “Notwithstanding the fact that no current or former Fox News employee ever took advantage of the 21st Century Fox hotline to raise a concern about Bill O’Reilly, even anonymously, we have looked into these matters over the last few months and discussed them with Mr. O’Reilly. While he denies the merits of these claims, Mr. O’Reilly has resolved those he regarded as his personal responsibility. Mr. O’Reilly is fully committed to supporting our efforts to improve the environment for all our employees at Fox News.”
