Fox News Founder Roger Ailes Dies at Age 77
Elizabeth Ailes issued a statement this morning to DRUDGE confirming her husband Roger's death. He was the former Chairman and CEO of Fox News who left the company (with a $40 million exit package) last July amidst numerous allegations of sexual harassment.
Her statement in full:
I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning. Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many. He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise - and to give back. During a career that stretched over more than five decades, his work in entertainment, in politics, and in news affected the lives of many millions. And so even as we mourn his death, we celebrate his life.
At least six more women came forward with sexual harassment allegations after former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson sued Ailes for repeated sexual harassment during her time at the network last summer. She quickly settled for $20 million. Megyn Kelly also alleged he repeatedly harassed her around the same time.
After Ailes was ousted, President Donald Trump defended him, telling press Ailes was "a very good person. I've always found him to be just a very, very good person. And by the way, a very, very talented person. Look what he's done. So I feel very badly." Ailes reportedly helped Trump with debate prep toward the end of his campaign.
Fox also confirmed the news, calling Ailes a television pioneer who built "Fox News into a cable powerhouse before leaving the company last year."
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
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