Fox settles sexual harassment lawsuit, with an apology
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Fox settles sexual harassment lawsuit, with an apology
Fox News and former anchor Gretchen Carlson have settled a sexual harassment lawsuit involving former CEO Roger Ailes, the network announced today.
Carlson filed a lawsuit against Fox in early July, accusing Ailes of sexually harassing her and then firing her for complaining about it. Fox will reportedly pay Carlson $20 million as part of the settlement. Carlson, in turn, won’t sue the company or any other Fox executive in the future, Vanity Fair reported.
Fox reportedly paid Ailes a $40 million severance package. Ailes resigned in July after Fox investigated Carlson’s claims. The investigation brought to light sexual harassment claims from other women at Fox.
Fox issued a statement to multiple news outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, apologizing to Carlson:
21st Century Fox is pleased to announce that it has settled Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit. 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.
Carlson also gave a statement:
I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my complaint. 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 in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded.
The case highlighted the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace, an issue that in recent years has actually spurred a little-known corner of the insurance market. Almost half of large employers buy insurance coverage for claims of discrimination and harassment, contributing to a $2 billion market.
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