There is no denying that Roger Ailes understands the business of television news. The former political consultant was the founding CEO of Fox News, making it into a cable news ratings juggernaut with talk shows and news aimed at a conservative audience.
There is also no denying that the downfall of Ailes was the accusations of sexual harassment filed by former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson and others. A few days ago, Carlson settled her claims against the network and Ailes for $20 million.
Carlson filed her legal claims back in July, saying she had for years been subject to his advances and sexual harassment. She was eventually demoted and fired by Ailes from the network.
Since she went public with her allegations, 20 other women have made similar claims against Ailes. Two other settlements have been reached, though the compensation is unknown in those cases, according to news reports.
The Washington Post said the quick settlements were due to the desire at 21st Century Fox, parent company of Fox News, to end bad publicity in the midst of a heated presidential campaign. As part of its settlement, the company made a public apology to Carlson, stating that she “was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve.”
A Washington attorney experienced in sexual harassment claims said the compensation made it clear Carlson’s accusations were accurate.
Carlson apparently had recordings of meetings with Ailes that included evidence backing her claims.
If you also face sexual harassment at work, you can speak with a Milwaukee attorney experienced in protecting workers and fighting for maximum compensation.
