Former Fox News anchor and “Fox & Friends” co-host Gretchen Carlson is reportedly taking Fox News Channel executive Roger Ailes to court on a sexual harassment claim.
The former “Fox & Friends” co-host filed suit in the Superior Court of New Jersey against Mr. Ailes, claiming that he made various unwanted “sexual advances” toward her during her time at the network, CNN reported Wednesday.
“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,” Mr. Ailes allegedly told Ms. Carlson in a September 2015 meeting, according to a lawsuit filing CNN obtained.
Ms. Carlson, who had requested the September meeting to address “retaliatory and discriminatory treatment” she had endured, said in the suit that the hostility continued until her contract ended in June.
Fox News Channel itself is not named in the lawsuit.
Mr. Ailes denied Ms. Carlson’s claim, calling it payback for the network electing not to pick up her contract.
“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false,” he said in an emailed statement to The Washington Times. “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.”
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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