Fox News' Roger Ailes Hit With Sexual Harassment Suit by Gretchen Carlson

Fox News CEO Roger Ailes is being hit with a sexual harassment suit by former host Gretchen Carlson. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Ailes dismissed Ms. Carlson because she refused to sleep with him. Ms. Carlson claims Mr. Ailes retaliated by not renewing her contract with Fox News when it expired on June 23. According to a statement on behalf of Ms. Carlson's lawyers, during a meeting last September Mr. Ailes said, "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." The complaint alleges that Ms. Carlson requested that meeting to discuss ongoing "discriminatory treatment," according to the statement. The suit was filed in New Jersey Superior Court on Wednesday morning, a spokesman for Ms. Carlson's lawyers said. The suit also alleges that Mr. Ailes made frequent "sexually-charged comments," that he called Ms. Carlson a "man hater" and that colleague Steve Doocy also engaged in "sexual harassment of Carlson." Fox News, which is not named as a target of the suit, did not respond to an email and a voice message seeking comment. [UPDATE: On Wednesday evening, Fox News parent 21st Century Fox released a statement saying it was taking the matter seriously. "While we have full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy, who have served the company brilliantly for over two decades, we have commenced an internal review of the matter," it said.] Ms. Carlson is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, the statement today said. "The Real Story With Gretchen Carlson" averaged 1.1 million viewers and 0.1 rating in the core 25-to-54 demo its 2 p.m. time slot in May, the last full month Ms. Carlson was host. Ms. Carlson joined Fox News in 2005 as host of the cable network's morning show "Fox & Friends." In 2013, she moved to the afternoon time slot. Ms. Carlson took to social media today, posting to her Facebook page: "As you may have heard, I am no longer with Fox News. I value your support and friendship, especially now, so please stay in touch with me."

Fox News' Roger Ailes Hit With Sexual Harassment Suit by Gretchen Carlson

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