21st Century Fox said it has begun an internal review of the sexual harassment charges made against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes by former anchor Gretchen Carlson.
Carlson alleges in a lawsuit filed in New Jersey that she was fired after she rejected Ailes's advances and spoke up about conditions in the Fox News Channel newsroom.
In a statement, 21st Century Fox said it has is “taking these matters serious,” but maintained it has “full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy, who have served the company brilliantly for over two decades.”
At the same time Ailes released a statement of his own, denying the allegations.
“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false," Ailes said. "This is a retaliatory suit 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. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit."
Read more at broadcastingcable.com.
