Former Fox Anchor Gretchen Carlson Says Boss Roger Ailes Sexually Harassed Her
Some days the news reads like a list of confirmed stereotypes. Like today’s headline that a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed by Fox News host Gretchen Carlson against her former boss and CEO of the company, Roger Ailes.
As if to drive the misogynist point home further, Carlson announced via Facebook earlier today that she has since been fired from Fox.
Carlson joined Fox News in 2005, where she spent many years hosting the channel’s morning show before moving to a 2 p.m slot. In that time, Carlson alleges in her lawsuit, Ailes consistently “injected sexual and/or sexist comments" into conversations. For example?
“I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago,” was one line Carlson claims her bloated boss threw at her last September. The lawsuit further alleges Ailes’ severely misguided attempts at courtship also included telling Carlson his marriage was “boring” and how he wished to be stranded on a desert island with her. Not to mention his alleged regular requests to view Carlson from behind. A bit like like a scene out of Mad Men, but likely with much shabbier suits.
Carlson’s attorney Nancy Erika Smith commented on the lawsuit in a statement to CNN. “We are very confident in our evidence,” said Smith, who added they had “powerful evidence” that proves Ailes’ sexual harassment was “very consistent and very pervasive.”
Carlson has added her own statement to the press, saying, “I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career. Although this was a difficult step to take, I had to stand up for myself and speak out for all women and the next generation of women in the workplace.”
