Shocker: Megyn Kelly may have been harassed, too
Fox News Channel anchor Megyn Kelly told investigators that Roger Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her about 10 years ago, NY magazine reported, citing two people briefed on 21st Century Fox Inc.’s probe of its top news executive. However, on Monday, in the midst of a Fox News internal probe, a report surfaced that Kelly had told lawyers conducting the probe that Ailes had sexually harassed her, too.
She claims “the balance of hardships” will be more favorable towards her if not granted, and Ailes “will suffer no harm or prejudice”.
According to New York Magazine, Ailes’ spokesperson Irena Briganti has been criticizing Kelly to reporters, saying she is selfish to not stand up for the man who gave her career opportunities. “And the only agreement that is in place is his existing employment agreement”, a spokesman wrote via email.
James Murdoch is the chief executive officer of 21st Century Fox and Chairman of Sky plc., while his older brother Lachlan is the executive chairman of Nova Entertainment and the executive co-chairman of News Corp and 21st Century Fox.
Ann Coulter has called out Megyn Kelly for failing to come out against Roger Ailes sooner. An insider told New York Magazine on Tuesday that “three top executives at 21st Century Fox, have, according to multiple sources, decided that [he] needs to be removed”.
Ann Coulter, who is not employed by Fox News but appears on the channel often, told The Huffington Post on Tuesday she was surprised by the details regarding Kelly’s accusations. Shortly afterward, 21st Century Fox released a statement reading: “Roger is at work”. Ailes’ legal team, on the other hand, have not responded yet. A statement on Tuesday came amidst a swirl of contradictory reports that Ailes had been ousted as head of the influential network. She claimed Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her and retaliated for her rejection by effectively firing her.
Ailes, in a statement, denied the allegations and accused Carlson of filing the lawsuit in retaliation for her contract not being renewed.
Carlson, the former host of a daytime show at Fox who had worked at the network for 11 years, was abruptly let go on June 23. Carlson said Doocy was treating her in a “sexist and condescending manner”.
“A lawsuit is a lawsuit and there’s still exposure for damages even if the alleged perpetrator isn’t high profile”, she says.
This year, aided by strong interest in the election, Fox News reported a 37 percent spike in prime-time ratings in the key advertiser demographic of 25- to 54-year-olds.