Gretchen Carlson is set to dismiss her lawsuit against ex-Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes.
For a very pretty set of pennies, that is.
Back in July, Carlson filed a sexual harrasment suit against her former employer, alleging in legal documents that Ailes propositioned her for sexual intercourse…
… and then punished her on the job front after she turned down his advances.
“Ailes has unlawfully retaliated against [her] and sabotaged her career because she refused sexual advances and complained about severe and pervasive sexual harassment,” a portion of the lawsuit read.
Carlson was let go from her role Fox & Friends in 2013 and then her contract was not picked up this past June.
She also named former colleague Steve Doocy in her lawsuit, writing that he “regularly treat[ed] her in a sexist and condescending way” when they worked together.
Carlson went on to accuse Doocy of “engaging in a pattern and practice of severe and pervasive sexual harassment” that was the equivalent to treating her as “a blond female prop.”
She was seeking an undisclosed amount of money for what she went through at Fox News.
And now Vanity Fair confirms that she’ll be walking away with $ 20 million.
Ailes will reportedly be paying for a portion of this settlement figure.
Carlson even received an apology as part of the company’s statement in announcing the end of this legal matter. It reads as follows:
“21st Century Fox is pleased to announce that it has settled Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit.
“During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism. She developed a loyal audience and was a daily source of information for many Americans. We are proud that she was part of the Fox News team.
“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.”
Ailes has also been accused of sexual harassment by Megyn Kelly and other Fox News employees.
He resigned his post as CEO soon after Carlson’s lawsuit went public.
According to a cover story in New York Magazine this week, Carlson secretly taped some of her conversations with Ailes.
(So she really was a lot smarter than she was portrayed to be on air.)
“I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my complaint,” said Carlson in her own statement.
“I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace. I want to thank all the brave women who came forward to tell their own stories and the many people across the country who embraced and supported me in their #StandWithGretchen.
“All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded.”
Andrea Tantaros, meanwhile, has brought her own lawsuit against Fox News, alleging in her complaint that the network “operated like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency, and misogyny.”
What an amazing quote.
Oh, and Ailes is now serving as a key advisor to Donald Trump.
