Fox News (NASDAQ:FOX) has reached a settlement in the Gretchen Carlson and Roger Ailes sexual harassment case.
The former anchor had filed a lawsuit against the latter due to sexually inappropriate conversations initiated by Ailes that had a negative effect on Carlson in the workplace. She claimed that Ailes harassed her for a year and a half.
Following several of these uncomfortable interactions, Carlson began recording her phone conversations with Ailes. The allegations proved to be true as there were between six and 10 recorded conversations that would likely have been ruled in Carlson’s favor if the suit went to court.
Law firm Paul, Weiss, Wharton & Garrison helped Carlson move forward with her intention to sue Ailes. In order to avoid facing these charges, Fox News agreed to pay her a settlement that is believed to be about $20 million.
The agreement was reached in mid-August, after Carlson had already left her post with the publication due to the threatening nature of the workplace. Other women have come forward and made similar allegations about Ailes, adding that Fox News has failed to protect women from sexual harassment over the years.
During one recorded conversation, Ailes said that he thought he and Carlson should have had a sexual relationship a long time, adding that such a move would have been beneficial to the both of them.
Justice may have been served, but it is quite unsettling that Ailes is not shelling out a penny of the $20 million.
FOX stock is down 1.1% Tuesday.
