Summary: After accusations of sexual harassment, Fox News CEO Roger Ailes has resigned from his position with the conservative news company.
Fox News founder Roger Ailes officially stepped down from his position as chairman and CEO on Thursday. Before the official announcement, rumors swirled that he was in exit talks with Rupert Murdoch and his sons Lachlan and James after several women alleged he sexually harassed them.
The resignation which is effective immediately came two weeks after ousted Fox News host, Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit, alleging Ailes harassed her. After the lawsuit became public, several other women came forward with similar stories. Fox News star Megyn Kelly cooperated with the investigation, and she reportedly said he harassed her too, although she would not speak publicly about what had happened.
Fox media owner Rupert Murdoch and his sons took the allegations seriously, and they hired power law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to conduct the investigation on their behalf.
Carlson co-anchored “The Real Story” with Steve Doocy, who she alleged belittled her on and off air with sexist comments. She was terminated in June because of poor ratings, Ailes said; but Carlson said that she was fired for rejecting Ailes’ sexual advances and complaining about Doocy. USA Today reported that Carlson believed Ailes went so far as to sabotage her career. Ailes adamantly denied the charges against him.
Ailes had launched Fox News and was credited for its massive success, which now totals to $1 billion a year. In a statement, Rupert Murdoch thanked him for what he did for conservative media.
“Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country,” Rupert Murdoch said. “Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years.”
Fox negotiated a severance package for Ailes. According to USA Today, he will receive $40 million, which is approximately the amount he would have earned if he had been allowed to finish out his contract. Ailes allegedly also signed a non-compete clause.
It was announced that Murdoch will step in as chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.
In response to the news, Carlson’s lawyers said she exhibited “courage” that changed the media world.
“We hope that all businesses now understand that women will no longer tolerate sexual harassment and reputable companies will no longer shield those who abuse women,” Carlson’s lawyers said. “We thank all the brave women who spoke out about this issue.”
Do you think Fox News will be affected without Ailes’ leadership? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: USA Today
Photo source: CNN
