21st Century Fox on Tuesday apologized and announced a settlement with Gretchen Carlson, exactly two months after the former Fox News anchor sued her old boss Roger Ailes for sexual harassment.
“21st Century Fox is pleased to announce that it has settled Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit,” the company said in a statement. “During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism. She developed a loyal audience and was a daily source of information for many Americans. We are proud that she was part of the Fox News team.”
“We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve,” the company added.
According to Vanity Fair, the settlement is for $20 million, though the exact terms have not yet been made public.
“I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my complaint,” Carlson said in a statement. “I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace. I want to thank all the brave women who came forward to tell their own stories and the many people across the country who embraced and supported me in their #StandWithGretchen. All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace.”
Carlson sued Roger Ailes, the former Fox News chairman and CEO, in July, alleging he sexually harassed her and then retaliated by terminating her contract. Ailes reportedly denied Carlson’s allegations and eventually resigned in late July from 21st Century Fox with a $40 million exit package.
Fox News is settling the suit despite not being named as a defendant in the case. The company will also offer Carlson a public apology as part of the settlement.
