Gretchen Carlson Claims Victory for Roger Ailes Ouster: ‘Women Will No Longer Tolerate Sexual Harassment’
Gretchen Carlson’s sexual harassment lawsuit against former Fox News Channel boss Roger Ailes has resulted in his resignation from the company on Thursday, and her team hopes that the events help women in the workplace going forward.
“Within just two weeks of her filing a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson’s extraordinary courage has caused a seismic shift in 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. We thank all the brave women who spoke out about this issue. We will have more to say in coming days as events unfold,” Carlson’s attorneys Erika Smith and Martin Hyman said in a statement to TheWrap.
Ailes resigned as chairman and CEO of Fox News effective immediately and 21st Century Fox Executive Co-Chairman Rupert Murdoch will assume his responsibilities until a permanent replacement is named.
Also Read: Roger Ailes Brags About Women He Helped in Fox News Exit Letter
The man credited with founding the network exits in disgrace amid a lawsuit filed on July 6 by former “Real Story” host Carlson, who accuses her ex-boss of sexual harassment. The lawsuit against Ailes claims he sexually propositioned her, then fired her in retaliation after she complained about discrimination and harassment. Ailes has called her claims “false” and “offensive,” and promised a vigorous defense.
Numerous Fox News employees have publicly defended Ailes, but at least 20 other women have come forward and told Carlson’s team that they faced similar harassment from Ailes, according to The Guardian.
Ailes was named the founding CEO of Fox News in 1996 and the network quickly gained popularity while he called the shots. Fox News is now regularly among the most-watched networks in all of cable and dominates the cable news category.
Related stories from TheWrap:
Geraldo Rivera Thrashed for Defense of Ousted Fox News Boss Roger Ailes
Roger Ailes Brags About Women He Helped in Fox News Exit Letter
