This story illustrates that no matter how powerful or influential you may be, it is still possible for someone else to think they can assault or sexually harass you. Gretchen Carlson of Fox and Friends and the Real Story with Gretchen Carlson was unable to renew her contract that ended in June 2016. She then abruptly went off the air.
Fast forward a couple weeks and she filed a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, the Chairman of Fox News. She alleges that her contract was not renewed because she refused several sexual advances from Mr. Ailes.
In her complaint, she makes several allegations including that her complaints of sexual harassment went unheeded for years. Additionally, that he attempted several sexual advances against her, which she consistently refused.
Mr. Ailes countered that her lawsuit is a retaliation because Fox refused to renew her contract. Specifically, Mr. Ailes cited her show’s low ratings.
Regardless of how this lawsuit resolves itself, this is story illustrates that sexual harassment can happen anywhere to anyone, even people who appear on television.
If you believe that your employer retaliated against you, or even fired you, because you rejected a sexual advance then you may want to speak to an attorney immediately. That behavior is categorically unacceptable under federal and state law. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are respected and that you get the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, there are still people that think they can do whatever they want because they happen to be the boss, it is up to you to remind them that you have rights and they must be respected.
Source: The New York Times, “Gretchen Carlson of Fox News Files Harassment Lawsuit Against Roger Ailes,” Michael M. Grynbaum, John Koblin, July 6, 2016
