Fox News anchor files unfair dismissal lawsuit alleging she was sacked for refusing sexual advances from boss
Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was unfairly dismissed from her high profile role on the network after refusing sexual advances from her boss, Roger Ailes.
The one-time face of Fox & Friends is back in the spotlight after going to court on Wednesday (6 July) to allege that the Fox chairman had fired her without warrant and "sabotaged her career because she refused his sexual advances and [she] complained about severe and pervasive sexual harassment."
Carlson claims that having snubbed Ailes advances she was given less and less high profile interviews and saw her regular slot on Bill O’Reilly’s weeknight show axed while also suffering a pay cut before ultimately being fired.
During this time it is alleged that Ailes made it clear her career prospects would be enhanced if she engaged in a "sexual relationship with him".
In light of the claims parent company 21st Century Fox has mounted an internal review but insists it has "full confidence" in its executives.
Ailes himself has hit back, stating that the accusations are "defamatory" and "retaliatory 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."