Fox News parent 21st Century Fox has settled a high-profile harassment suit by former host Gretchen Carlson for $20M and apologized for the company’s treatment of Carlson, who has hired a high-powered Hollywood PR firm.
Carlson’s suit, alleging sexual harassment against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, rocked the media giant and led to the ouster of Ailes, one of the industry’s most influential and powerful figures.
“We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve,” the company said in a stunning apology issued jointly with a statement from Carlson.
Carlson filed the suit in early July and the settlement comes just two months later, but after a barrage of negative press and accusations by other women who worked for the network.
Carlson said she is “gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my complaint,” adding she is “ready to move on to the next chapter of my life.” She said she will “redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace.”
The Hollywood Reporter said today that Carlson has hired PMK*BNC CEO Cindi Berger as her new PR rep.
Fox praised Carlson for “exhibit[ing] the highest standards of journalism and professionalism” and building a loyal audience. “We are proud that she was part of the Fox News team,” the company’s statement said.
Longtime Fox News host Greta Van Susteren left the network after the settlement was announced. “Fox has not felt like home to me for a few years and I took advantage of the clause in my contract which allows me to leave now,” she said via Facebook.
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