Summary: Reports say Fox News CEO Roger Ailes may step down from the network.
After allegations of sexual harassment, Fox News CEO Roger Ailes is in speculated exit talks with 21st Century Fox. According to The New York Post, “the end is near.”
Twenty years ago, Rupert Murdoch hired Ailes to create and manage Fox News. The network launched in 1996 and spearheaded a new form of news and entertainment. The conservative-leaning network was and is still hugely successful, with annual profits exceeding $1 billion.
But Murdoch couldn’t ignore the high-profile allegations against Ailes. In early July, ousted “Fox and Friends” anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him, and the lawsuit prompted other women to come forward with their own stories. Fox anchor Megyn Kelly reportedly confirmed Ailes had also sexually harassed her.
The Drudge Report had stated that Ailes’ exit deal has already been finalized and that he would receive $40 million. However, they later removed the unsigned separation agreement that they had originally published. Ailes’ attorney Susan Estrich told CNN that there is no deal and that the report published on Drudge was inaccurate. Other media sites had also reported Ailes’ exit deal was done, but they later backpedaled.
Rupert Murdoch runs 21st Century Fox with his sons Lachlan and James. In a recent statement, 21st Century Fox said “the review is ongoing.”
Ailes for his part has denied any sexual harassment, and Kelly has not publicly spoken about the reports. However, her lawyer Willis Goldsmith said she was cooperating with the investigation.
New York based power law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is conducting the investigation on 21st Century Fox’s behalf.
Some of Ailes’ colleagues had initially spoken out on his behalf, and on Tuesday, Geraldo Rivera wrote in a Tweet, “Don’t believe the crap about Roger Ailes. Only ones talking dirt are those who hate #FoxNews & want to hurt network that’s kicking their ass.”
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Source: CNN