Roger Ailes and Gretchen Carlson
Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes is making it clear he has no intention of avoiding the controversy created by the sexual harassment lawsuit filed Wednesday by former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson.
In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Ailes responded: "Gretchen Carlson's allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network's decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11 year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously."
Advertisement - story continues below
WND reported Fox News star Gretchen Carlson, 50, filed a sexual-harassment suit against her now-former boss, saying in the same court filing her former morning co-host Steve Doocy was guilty of the same.
The full complaint is available here.
TRENDING: FBI conceals collusion with Twitter over election 'misinformation'
The Daily Mail reported Carlson said she was let go on June 23 for refusing to have sex with Ailes. She worked for the network for 11 years, serving as co-host in the popular morning "Fox & Friends" show and as a host of her own afternoon news broadcast.
Advertisement - story continues below
Last September, Ailes allegedly told Carlson: "I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago then you'd be good and better and I'd be good and better," the Daily Mail reported, citing Carlson's court filing.
She also wrote in her suit Ailes called her a "man hater" and said she simply wanted to "show up the boys" when she complained to him about the "pervasive sexual harassment" she said she was subjected to by her "Fox & Friends" co-host Doocy. And it was that complaint against Doocy that got her fired from the morning lineup in 2013 and placed on her own afternoon show, with lower pay, Carlson alleged.
"We believe that the evidence will confirm that Gretchen was fired from 'Fox & Friends' for speaking up about demeaning and discriminatory behavior on and off the set," said Nancy Erika Smith, her attorney, in the news outlet.
Responding to Aile's statement, Smith asked Hollywood Reporter: "Does Ailes deny saying the statements in the complaint?"
Advertisement - story continues below
Earlier in the day, Smith said Carlson was not assuming Fox News supported the actions Ailes was accused of, but if she learned otherwise, her legal team would "definitely" consider its options.
"It's not clear to us yet that Fox is going to stand with Ailes," Smith told Hollywood Reporter, noting other women were now coming forward alleging harassment by Ailes.
Fox News parent 21st Century Fox announced its own internal investigation into the accusations against Ailes and Doocy. Doocy is not named in any current lawsuit.
Advertisement - story continues below
"The company has seen the allegations against Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy," 21st Century Fox said in a statement released late Wednesday.
"We take these matters seriously. While we have full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy, who have served the company brilliantly for over two decades, we have commenced an internal review of the matter."
Carlson seeks compensation for mental anguish as well as for punitive damages, and wants a jury trial.
She said Ailes unfairly denied her "various opportunities that were afforded to other Fox News hosts," including "reducing her compensation," "severely curtailing her appearances as a guest commentators," "blocking her from appearing as a substitute host," "refusing to assign her to cover high-visibility events," "refusing to give her social media, public relations and advertising support," "shunning, ostracizing and humiliating her, both publicly and privately," and ultimately, "decreeing [that] her contract not be renewed," the Daily Mail reported, citing her complaint.
In a Wednesday statement, Carlson said she was simply trying to do the right thing.
"I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career," she said. "Although this was a difficult step to take, I had to stand up for myself and speak out for all women and the next generation of women in the workplace. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments at Fox News and for keeping our loyal viewers engaged and informed on events and news topics of the day."
