Fox News settles with former anchor Gretchen Carlson for $20 million

Gretchen Carlson wins $20 million settlement.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Exactly two months after former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson sued the network's then-CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, Fox has settled with Carlson for $20 million, the company confirmed. "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," Carlson said in a statement. "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."

Fox News reportedly agreed to publicly apologize to Carlson as a part of the settlement. In a statement Tuesday, the company said, "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."

Although Carlson sued Ailes directly, Fox is "essentially his insurer for any settlement," Vanity Fair sources said, leaving exactly what portion of the settlement Ailes may be responsible for unclear. Two other women who brought sexual harassment cases against Ailes also reportedly reached settlements with the company.

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Ailes has denied all allegations of sexual harassment, and he resigned from the company in July. Separately, Ailes has suggested he might take legal action against New York over writer Gabriel Sherman's extensive reporting on the sexual harassment allegations brought against him by current and former employees.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.