Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson has filed a lawsuit against network CEO Roger Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination. The suit claims she was fired after rejecting his sexual advances.
Carlson, who worked for the conservative US network for 11 years before her contract expired in June, alleges that Ailes made unwanted sexual comments and propositions. According to the lawsuit, Ailes once 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 also details alleged instances of sexist behaviour, including Ailes instructing Carlson to turn around so he could look at her backside, and fellow anchor Steve Doocy treating her as a 'blond female prop'. Carlson claims she was denied fair compensation and career opportunities after rejecting Ailes's advances.
Ailes denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit 'defamatory' and 'wholly without merit'. He claims Carlson filed the suit in retaliation for not having her contract renewed. Fox parent company 21st Century Fox said it has full confidence in Ailes but will conduct an internal investigation.
