Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes is calling former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson's lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and sexual harassment "defamatory" and retaliation for her contract not being renewed.
The complaint alleges that Ailes made "sexually-charged comments" to Carlson, "ranging from lewd innuendo, ogling, and remarks about Ms. Carlson's body to demands for sex as a way for her to improve her job standing." In a statement released Wednesday, Ailes called Carlson's allegations "false," and said the suit is retaliation for "the network's decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11 year tenure than any other in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and and will be defended vigorously."
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