Can someone please break out a violin or two?
Bill O’Reilly is singing a very sad tune at the moment.
A few days after being fired by Fox News due to his alleged role in a number of sexual misconduct scandals, the ex-O’Reilly Factor host surfaced on Monday in podcast form.
He’s now the anchor of “No Spin News” and he addressed his supposedly scandalous past early on in the program.
“I am sad that I’m not on television anymore,” said O’Reilly, expounding as follows:
“I was very surprised how it all turned out. I can’t say a lot, because there’s so much stuff going on right now. But I can tell you that I’m very confident the truth will come out.
“And when it does – I don’t know if you’re going to be surprised, but I think you’re going to be shaken, as I am.”
What an odd phrasing.
Considering O’Reilly has received no public support from anyone aside from the President of the United States, and considering over 70 advertisers pulled their spots on The O’Reilly Factor…
… it certainly seems as if most people believe he’s guilty of inappropriate behavior.
So O’Reilly thinks we won’t be surprised by the “truth,” he’s either wildly misreading the public perception of him. Or he’s admitting to being a misogynistic monster.
Earlier this month, The New York Times published an article that stated O’Reilly has paid $ 13 million over the years to a total of five women.
Each of these women has either worked for Fox News or been a guest on the host’s program.
And each was paid hush money in order to not pursue legal action against O’Reilly after they accused him of making obnoxious remarks; promising them better positions at Fox News in exchange for sexual favors; and making phone calls while apparently jerking off.
A sixth woman went public just this spring with similar charges against O’Reilly, saying she wasn’t even looking for any money.
She just wanted the world to know what kind of man O’Reilly is.
After feeling extreme heat from companies who did not want to be associated with The O’Reilly Factor, 21st Century Fox finally parted ways with its most-watched host last week.
“After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the Company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel,” read the pink slip announcement.
It continued:
“This decision follows an extensive review done in collaboration with outside counsel.
“By ratings standards, Bill O’Reilly is one of the most accomplished TV personalities in the history of cable news. In fact, his success by any measure is indisputable.
“Fox News has demonstrated again and again the strength of its talent bench. We have full confidence that the network will continue to be a powerhouse in cable news.
“Lastly, and most importantly, we want to underscore our consistent commitment to fostering a work environment built on the values of trust and respect.”
On that last point, Fox News still has a long way to go.
Last July, CEO Roger Ailes was forced to resign after he, too, was faced with a number of sexual harassment charges, while Fox and Friends anchor Steve Doocy has been hit with similar allegations.
Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly both left the network in the past year or so, each alleging a sexist, awkward, generally awful working environment at Fox for anyone who shares their gender.
On his podcast today, O’Reilly added that viewers will soon have a clearer picture of what transpired between him and his accusers.
“Now, I can’t say anymore because I just don’t want to influence the flow of information,” he explained.
“I don’t want the media to take what I say and misconstrue it. You, as a loyal O’Reilly listener, have a right to know, I think, down the lane what exactly happened. And we are working in that direction, okay?”
Sure? Yes? Okay?
Whatever you say, Bill. Sounds like a man who is totally innocent of all charges, doesn’t it?
After getting the axe from Fox News initially, O’Reilly was equally vague and defiant.
Here is what he said shortly after his firing was made public:
“Over the past 20 years at Fox News, I have been extremely proud to launch and lead one of the most successful news programs in history.
It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims. But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today.”