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Fox Settles Gretchen Carlson's Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $20 Million
Read the network's apology
Gretchen Carlson and 21st Century Fox have reached a settlement for the sexual harassment suit the former Fox & Friends anchor filed against the company two months ago, TVGuide.com has confirmed. According to Vanity Fair, the settlement is to the tune of $20 million.
Fox also issued an unprecedented apology for the behavior of its former CEO, Roger Ailes, whom Carlson accused of sexually harassing her during her tenure at Fox. Other current and former Fox employees, including Megyn Kelly, have made similar complaints about Ailes, who left the network in the wake of Carlson's lawsuit.
Fox News CEO resigns amid sexual harassment allegations
"During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism," 21st Century Fox said in a statement. "She developed a loyal audience and was a daily source of information for many Americans. We are proud that she was part of the Fox News team. We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve."
Carlson issued a statement of her own, saying: "I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my complaint. I'm ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace. I want to thank all the brave women who came forward to tell their own stories and the many people across the country who embraced and supported me in their #StandWithGretchen. All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded."
Ailes, who received a $40 million payout when he left Fox, is reportedly expected to pay some of the $20 million settlement out of personal funds.
Sources tell Vanity Fair that two other women have reached similar settlements with 21st Century Fox. As part of the settlement, Carlson can bring no further legal action against the company.