Gretchen Carlson Gets $20 Million Settlement From Fox Over Sexual Harassment Claims

Fox News has reached a $20 million settlement with Gretchen Carlson, the former network host that has accused FOX News CEO and Chairman Roger Ailes of sexual harassment.

Fox News Settles With Gretchen Carlson

On behalf of Ailes, 21st Century Fox settled Carlson’s sexual harassment lawsuit for $20 million, reported Vanity Fair. In addition to the financial settlement, the media company offered Carlson a public apology in which it acknowledges that she was not treated with the “respect and dignity” that should be afforded to those working at Fox.

“21st Century Fox is pleased to announce that it has settled Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit. During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism,” reads the statement from Fox. “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.”

In response to the settlement and to 21 Century Fox’s statement, Carlson released one of her own. Carlson expressed her thanks to those who stood with her during the months that have passed since she filed her lawsuit, and made clear her intentions to “empower women in the workplace.”

“I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my Complaint,” Carlson’s statement began. “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.”

Carlson filed her sexual harassment lawsuit against Ailes back in early July. In her filing, Carlson claimed that she was removed from Fox & Friends in 2013 after reporting that her co-host, Steve Doocy, was acting inappropriately towards her. On June 23, Carlson was terminated from Fox News Channel when the network declined to re-up her contract. Carlson alleged that she was forced to rebuke sexual advances made by Ailes after sharing her concerns about the way in which her male colleagues – including Doocy – were treating her.

A couple of weeks after Carlson filed her lawsuit, with more women coming forward with allegations against Ailes, Ailes was forced to step down at Fox News.