Anchor sues Fox News CEO for sexual harassment

Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson has filed a lawsuit against CEO Roger Ailes over claims of sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

Lawyers for Carlson claimed in an email sent to various reporters that she turned down sexual advances from Ailes, who then later told her that saying yes would have benefited her.

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The complaint details a variety of interactions between Carlson and Ailes. 

One excerpt from the lawsuit reads:

"When Carlson met with Ailes to discuss the discriminatory treatment to which she was being subjected, Ailes stated: '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,' adding that 'sometimes problems are easier to solve' that way."

Carlson, who has worked at FNC since 2006, was recently let go from FNC when her contract ended. She was given what some considered a demotion in 2013 when she was removed from FNC's morning show "Fox & Friends" and given a show in the afternoon.

In the complaint, Carlson said that the move coincided with a pay decrease.

Carlson confirmed on Facebook that she is no longer employed by FNC.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

A spokesperson for FNC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Later in the day, Ailes did release a statement denying the allegations and claiming that Carlson was looking to cause damage after splitting with the network.

The statement:

“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. 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.” 

In response to the lawsuit, 21st Century Fox, the parent company of FNC, is reportedly starting an internal review of the allegations.

Various reports also claimed that Carlson was just one of many women that had come forward with stories about Ailes' treatment of women. 

The allegations are more than just media gossip. If substantiated, they could herald major changes at one of the most visible and controversial media outlets in the U.S.

Roger Ailes is synonymous in media circles with Fox News. He helped found the news channel in 1996 and has served as its CEO since then. 

In that position, Ailes has amassed plenty of power in media circles as well as the world of politics. In 2010, Newsweek declared him "the real GOP chairman."

This is not the first time that Ailes has received complaints about his behavior toward women that work at FNC. Journalist Gabriel Sherman wrote in a biography of Ailes that he had pushed a dress code for female anchors that some found inappropriate. 

Carlson once joked that she was not allowed to wear pants while working on "Fox & Friends."

Carlson's complaint also alleges that Steve Doocy, one of her co-hosts on "Fox & Friends," perpetuated a "hostile work environment by regularly treating her in a sexist and condescending way..."

Carlson is seeking compensatory damages, although a particular dollar amount is not given in the lawsuit.

The full complaint:

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