In a statement released Wednesday after 21st Century Fox announced his ouster, former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly continued to deny allegations of sexual harassment and verbal abuse. O'Reilly said it was "tremendously disheartening" to "part ways" with the network because of "completely unfounded claims"; O'Reilly and Fox have paid roughly $13 million to settle accusations from five different women leveled against the host since 2002. "That is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today," O'Reilly said in the statement.
In the statement, O'Reilly looked back fondly on his 20 years at Fox, noting he was "extremely proud to launch and lead one of the most successful news programs in history." "I will always look back on my time at Fox with great pride in the unprecedented success we achieved and with my deepest gratitude to all my dedicated viewers," he said. "I wish only the best for Fox News Channel."
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