Fox News settled a sexual harassment lawsuit with former news anchor Gretchen Carlson, whose claims sparked a widespread internal probe and led to the ouster of Roger Ailes, the Republican political strategist who built it into the most-watched U.S. cable news network.
Carlson will get $20 million under the deal, with Ailes contributing to the payout, according to a person with knowledge of the terms. It was not known how much Ailes is contributing.
"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," parent company 21st Century Fox said in a statement that didn’t include the financial terms.
In the same statement, Carlson said, "I am ready to move on with the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace."
Carlson sued Ailes personally in July, prompting an investigation, allegations from other women and ultimately Ailes ouster. Ailes, who has served as a media consultant for several Republican presidents, has advised Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for the White House. Lawyers for Ailes didn’t immediately respond to calls seeking comment.
Workplace Culture
Carlson’s lawsuit against Ailes depicts a workplace rampant with sexism, from Ailes’s alleged ogling and innuendos to claims that co-host Steve Doocy mocked her and treated her as a “blond female prop” on “Fox & Friends.”
Carlson, a 50-year-old former Miss America, claimed Ailes, 76, “sabotaged her career because she refused his advances and complained about severe and pervasive sexual harassment.”
Ailes commented on her legs and outfits, while trying to engage her in sexual banter, according to the complaint. She also alleged that Ailes said he had slept with three former Miss Americas but not her. Carlson complained again last September to Ailes about his treatment of her.
She said he responded: “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.” He also said “sometimes problems are easier to solve” that way, Carlson claimed.