Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson has filed a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against the network’s top executive, Roger Ailes.
Carlson, whose relationship with the network ended in June when her contract expired, was let go because she “refused his sexual advances,” the complaint alleged.
On Sept. 15, 2015, when Carlson met with Ailes to discuss allegedly sexist behavior by her colleagues, he reportedly said, “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.
“Sometimes problems are easier to solve” that way, he added.
The complaint claimed Ailes once had Carlson turn around in his office so that he could “view her posterior,” that he repeatedly commented on her legs and that he would tell her things like she was “sexy.”
Though spokespersons for Alies did not respond to the Washington Examiner‘s request for comment, they did release a statement late Wednesday reading:
Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. 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. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.
Carlson’s suit also alleged Carlson’s termination came as the result of her complaining about sexist and demeaning comments from on-air talent, including “Fox and Friends” co-host Steve Doocy.
“Doocy engaged in a pattern and practice of severe and pervasive sexual harassment of Carlson, including, but not limited to, mocking her during commercial breaks, shunning her off air, refusing to engage with her on air, belittling her contributions to the show and generally attempting to put her in her place by refusing to accept and treat her as an intelligent and insightful female journalist rather than a blond female prop,” the suit said.
When Carlson complained to Ailes about Doocy’s reported behavior, the cable executive reportedly called her a “man hater” and accused her of trying to “show up the boys.”
Fox’s corporate parent, 21st Century Fox, put out a statement Wednesday evening, which read, “The Company has seen the allegations against Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy.”
“We take these matters seriously. While we have full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy, who have served the company brilliantly for over two decades, we have commenced an internal review of the matter,” it added.
Carlson, who started at Fox in 2005, also released a statement Wednesday, saying, “I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career. Although this was a difficult step to take, I had to stand up for myself and speak out for all women and the next generation of women in the workplace.
“I am extremely proud of my accomplishments at Fox News and for keeping our loyal viewers engaged and informed on events and news topics of the day,” she added.
The former Fox host said in a separate note on social media, “I am no longer with Fox News. I value your support and friendship, especially now, so please stay in touch with me.”
Her co-counsel, Martin Hyman, accused Ailes of deliberately “sabotaging” her career.
“We believe that Mr. Ailes’ behavior toward Gretchen, as described in the complaint, speaks volumes about what she had to endure,” Hyman said. “Opposing sexism and rejecting unwanted sexual come-ons should never cost a woman her job or subject her to disparagement and emotional anguish.
“[L]ike many working women, she was reduced to a sex object by a powerful and sexist boss. Rebuffing Roger Ailes’ sexual demands cost her dearly,” he added. “She was marginalized and ultimately fired because she sought a harassment and discrimination-free workplace.”
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This post has been updated.
