21st Century Fox, the parent company of the Fox News Network, will hand former Real Story host Gretchen Carlson a reported $20 million settlement over her July lawsuit claiming former Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes sexually harassed her and then fired her in his final act of revenge for the host’s refusal of his sexual advances.
“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,” Ailes allegedly told Carlson.
Though Fox News is not named as a defendant on the suit and Ailes is, the network has taken action on his behalf, notes Politico. It is unclear if Ailes himself will be pitching in monetarily.
“21st Century Fox is pleased to announce that it has settled Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit,” reads a statement from the company. “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 that she & all our colleagues deserve”
Carlson said she’s “gratified” by the company’s decision to take “decisive action.” The former host says she looks forward to moving on to the “next chapter” of her life.
“I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my Complaint,” said Carlson 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’s legal team initially rejected the idea of a settlement because they felt the issue was “about more than money.”
“Gretchen is standing up for something really important to her, it’s something that’s been a hallmark of her career,” Carlson’s lawyer, Nancy Erika told Politico, back in July. “It’s important for her to stand up for women right now.”
Carlson’s shocking accusations against Ailes were followed up by roughly two dozen other women who claimed to have received similar treatment from Ailes. Two of the most notable accusers were The Kelly File host Megyn Kelly and former Outnumbered panelist Andrea Tantaros.
Tantaros, who filed a $30 million sexual harassment suit against 21st Century Fox and Ailes last month, excoriated Fox News for its allegedly fake stance on “traditional family values.”
“Fox News masquerades as defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency, and misogyny,” says Tantaros’ suit.
Ailes, who has continued to deny all accusations against him, was forced to resign soon after the Fox News parent company, headed by Rupert Murdoch, launched an investigation into the claims. Ailes received $40 million upon his departure.
A “public apology” on half of Fox News to Carlson will also be part of the settlement, reports Vanity Fair.
On Tuesday, the same day Vanity Fair reported on Carlson’s $20 million settlement, Fox News also made headlines for the departure of On the Record host Greta Van Susteren. Thus far, no reason has been given for Van Susteren’s departure.