Gretchen Carlson terminated after Sexual Harassment Complaint
NY/NJ – Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News Host, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey against Roger Ailes, Fox News CEO and chairman. Carlson claims she experienced sexual harassment various times throughout her career, and faced termination after she made a sexual harassment complaint.
On June 23, Carson was terminated from Fox network. Carlson reported, this was the last day of her contract, and the network had no intention of renewing her contract even though she maintained the top-rated show amongst her competitors.
In 2005, Carlson started working at Fox News as a co-host on the Fox & Friends morning show. Eight years later, she began working on The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. According to the sexual harassment complaint, Carlson says, “she was fired from Fox & Friends” after she made a complaint about her co-host’s, Steve Doocy, workplace misconduct.
Carlson explained that her co-host subjected her to “severe and pervasive sexual harassment.” She alleged that he would often imitate her, look down on her, and fail to treat her as a reputable journalist. Carlson asserted that attaining her own show was a demotion. She claims Ailes “reduced her compensation and withheld network support and promotion.”
Sexual Harassment by Roger Ailes
Carlson alleged Ailes would often make sexual advances at her or make inappropriate comments in conversation. Carlson said during several different incidents, Ailes would request that she “turn around so he could view her posterior.” She also said he would incessantly make remarks about her legs and suggestions about her attire that would allegedly “enhance her figure.”
Prior to working for Fox, Carlson was a Miss America Winner. During an industry event, Carlson said Ailes informed other individuals that he had sexual relations with three Miss America winners excluding her from his statement. In addition to his tasteless statement, Carlson said Ailes publicly made sexist comments about her.
The sexual harassment complaint includes a list of detailed incidents between Carlson and Ailes including “demands for sex as a way for her to improve her job standing.” Carlson said she rejected Ailes sexual advances towards her, which ultimately led to workplace retaliation according to Carlson. In the presence of male co-workers, Carlson said Ailes would “challenge unequal treatment” between genders.
Ailes vehemently denies Carlson’s allegations in his statement by referring to the allegations as “false and defamatory.” Ailes argues that Carlson is the one who’s retaliating against the network with a lawsuit since Fox decided against renewing her contract due to her low ratings. Ailes commented on the lawsuit saying, “not only offensive, but it is also wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.”
Carlson alleged Ailes retaliated against her for rejecting him and reporting workplace discrimination and sexual harassment. Carlson’s termination placed her in an uncomfortable position professionally, financially, and emotionally. As a result of the sexual harassment, work discrimination, retaliation, and termination, Carlson is seeking “compensatory and punitive damages” as the outcome of her sexual harassment lawsuit.
The parent company, 21st Century Fox, has agreed to examine the sexual harassment allegations brought against Ailes and other employees involved. The company takes sexual harassment very seriously, and will not allow this issue to continue without being rectified.
Seek a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Carlson acknowledged that coming forth as a public figure about enduring sexual harassment was extremely difficult. She managed to examine the larger picture and realize that workplace sexual harassment is a major issue for women everywhere, especially at Fox News.
If you have ever experienced workplace retaliation and termination as a result of reporting sexual harassment in New York City, Miami, New Jersey, or Philadelphia, contact us at 800-807-2209 for a free consultation. Our attorneys are available to review your claims and prepare a solid case to recover the damages and justice you deserved.
