Gretchen Carlson fired from Fox News Channel amid allegations of sexual harassment
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Gretchen Carlson.
Gretchen Carlson says she was fired from Fox News Channel after 11 years for turning down CEO Roger Ailes’ sexual advancements.
“I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career,” Carlson said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments at Fox News and for keeping our loyal viewers engaged and informed on events and news topics of the day.”
According to a court filing with the Superior Court of New Jersey obtained by Business Insider, Carlson claims her firing was a result of retaliation for refusing to have sex with the CEO and for reporting disparaging treatment in the newsroom.
“We believe that the evidence will confirm that Gretchen was fired from ‘Fox & Friends’ for speaking up about demeaning and discriminatory behavior on and off the set,” Carlson’s attorney Nancy Erika Smith of Smith Mullin P.C. in Montclair, New Jersey, said in a statement.
The complaint alleges that Carlson was fired on June 23 without warning, despite the ratings success of “The Real Story” in its time-slot.
The former cohost of “Fox & Friends” and “The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson” host broke the news of her departure from FNC on social media.
“As you may have heard, I’m no longer with Fox News. I value your support and friendship so please stay in touch,” she wrote to fans on Facebook.
FNC didn’t immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
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