NEW YORK, July 28 (UPI) — Former Fox News Channel personality Gretchen Carlson said she feels vindicated and satisfied with the removal of network CEO Roger Ailes, in what was a major media shakeup this month that followed claims of sexual harassment against the news boss.
Carlson, the former host of FNC’s The Real Story and Fox and Friends, left the network last month after her contract was not renewed. Weeks later, she filed a lawsuit against Ailes, accusing him of firing her because she had previously refused to have a sexual relationship with him.
In an interview with The Washington Post and in remarks on Twitter Thursday, the newswoman voiced her opinions on the matter.
She also told the Post that she was angry that it took Fox News “so long” to dispatch Ailes from his top post.
“It’s complicated. There was relief that now I would be believed,” she told Post reporter Margaret Sullivan. “I was happy to a certain extent over that.”
The Post interview was the first Carlson had given since Ailes was removed as FNC’s chief on July 21.
Carlson claimed in her suit that Ailes slashed her salary, cut down her television appearances and ultimately fired her as retribution for her refusal to accept sexual advances. During an independent inquiry into the matter, current Fox News anchorMegyn Kelly also reportedly told investigators that Ailes sexually harassed her in the past.
“The Real Story” about #courage in the face of#sexualharassment. Speak out. @RudiBakhtiar#StandWithGretchen
Gretchen Carlson/Twitter
Ailes, who had been Fox News’ chief executive since the network first aired in 1996, has repeatedly denied the claims of sexual harassment.
“In fact, he has spent much of the last decade promoting and helping [Kelly] to achieve the stardom she earned, for which she has repeatedly and publicly thanked him,” Susan Estrich, one of Ailes’ lawyers, said July 19.
Since her departure from FNC, Carlson has been a very active online opponent to sexual harassment in the workplace.
“All women need to be safe at work from sexual harassment and retaliation,” shetweeted Thursday.
