Hannity smacks Gretchen Carlson in Fox News sex case

Gretchen Carlson (Twitter)

As allegations continue to fly in former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson's sexual harassment suit against network chief Roger Ailes, anchorman Sean Hannity defended Ailes Wednesday, publicly criticizing Carlson on Twitter.

Carlson has created a hashtag on Twitter called #StandWithGretchen as she looks for support in her claim that Ailes sought to have sex with her, and did not renew her contract when she refused his alleged advances. Ailes has denied all charges.

When Carlson tweeted a New York Magazine article documenting similar claims against Ailes by six other women, Hannity responded with a combative tweet, asking Carlson: "So why did u stay after such 'harassment' asking for more airtime? If u had a new contract would u sue? I doubt it."

So why did u stay after such "harassment" asking for more airtime? If u had a new contract would u sue? I doubt it. https://t.co/7fDZtCBwvl

— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) July 13, 2016

Hannity has a series of tweets this week on the matter, including one stating: "Why did GC [Gretchen Carlson] send handwritten notes with smiley faces asking for more airtime after the 'alleged' traumatic incident?"

Hannity has received some comments from the public who back Carlson's claims, including one from Robert Jones, who stated: "Because of Ailes' power, the rest of you at Fox fawn to him, including Brett Hume, unexpectantly. Greta the same."

Hannity responded: "No. I looked at the facts in the case and they seem pathetically weak to me, and many colleagues."

Sean Hannity

In addition to Hannity, more than a dozen top personalities at Fox News including Greta Van Susteren, Neil Cavuto and Kimberly Guilfoyle have defended Ailes against the claims of sexual misconduct.

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Anchorwoman Jeanine Pirro praised Ailes, telling the Wrap: "Honestly, this is a decent man and I have spent my career fighting for women. I have no bones about criticizing someone when they deserve to be criticized. But this is ridiculous ... I know the man. I have been in a room with him. I've been alone with him. He has never said or done anything [inappropriate]."

"They're still being paid by Fox," Carlson told the New York Times, regarding Ailes' defenders. Her full legal complaint can be seen here.

According to the lawsuit, Ailes told Carlson, "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."

Fox News has since shared handwritten notes from Carlson to Ailes from late 2015 in which she said she'd love to remain at Fox, while asking for additional opportunities there.

When asked by the New York Times why she was seeking better assignments if she felt she was a victim of harassment, she said: "I think it's hard when you've been a victim – you keep thinking things are going to get better."

As for the specific reason why she filed the lawsuit, Carlson told the Times, "To stand up for what happened to me and what was the truth."

Follow Joe Kovacs on Twitter @JoeKovacsNews