Ex-employee calls Fox News 'a sex-fuelled cult'

The claim, included in a new lawsuit, is the latest in a string of allegations against the network.

It's not been a good few months for Fox News.

Roger Ailes, founding CEO and chairman, was forced to resign in July after a slew of sexual misconduct allegations; at least 20 women came forward with accusations against Ailes after former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson launched a lawsuit in which she said she was fired from the network for refusing Ailes's sexual advances.

Last week, ex-Fox News host Andrea Tantaros filed a legal suit in which she described Fox News as a 'sex-fueled cult' and says she was sexually harassed by Ailes and host Bill O'Reilly.

In the papers, obtained by The New York Times, she alleged: "Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny."

Tantaros alleges Ailes made demeaning remarks to her, such as “I bet you look good in a bikini,” and also asked inappropriate questions about her romantic life as well as the lives of other Fox News staffers. 

Tantaros alleged when she approached the network about the harassment, newly appointed Fox News co-president Bill Shine encouraged her to drop the claims, and told her she needed "to let this one go".

She says she was also moved to a daytime programme following her claims.

The suit comes after a months-long dispute between Tantaros and Fox News regarding the termination of her employment at the network,CNN Money reports.

Fox News have claimed that Tantaros invented the sexual harassment claims to gain leverage as she  had breached her employment contract by writing a book without receiving network approval.

Tantaros's lawyers have accused Fox News of using the book as an excuse for her termination.

The suit seeks as much as $23 million, as well as $26 million in punitive damages and reimbursement of attorney fees, Yahoo News reports.

Recent stories:

Air NZ hands out $20M in bonuses 

Sexual harassment scandal prompts workplace training

Confessions of an introvert HR leader
 

Recent articles & video

Oranga Tamariki to pay $12,000 for unjust treatment of youth worker

The challenges of cross-cultural code-switching for international doctors in New Zealand

How much are New Zealanders saving by working from home?

Ransomware, extortion cases up by 62% globally in 2023

Most Read Articles

Over 200 employers banned from hiring skilled migrants under AEWV

Fonterra bans EY staff facing misconduct probe: report

Employer tells worker: 'I think it's best we call it quits'