Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the CEO of Fox News, Roger Ailes, alleging that Ailes insisted she have sex with him if she wanted to continue at the network.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in New Jersey, Carlson alleges that Ailes told her last September:
“I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago.”
Carlson also claims that Ailes told her to turn around on multiple occasions so he could ogle her buttocks, while also requesting that she wear outfits which better showed off her figure.
The suit also states that Ailes informed Carlson his marriage was “boring” and often told her that he fantasized about being stranded on a desert island with her.
Carlson announced on her Facebook page that she is no longer working for Fox News after 11 years as an employee. She added that other male colleagues also said demeaning things to her, including “Fox and Friends” co-host Steve Doocy.
The story of Carlson’s lawsuit unfolded this morning thanks in part to rival news network CNN. CNN reporter Brian Stelter got wind of the sexual harassment suit and took to Twitter:
Breaking: "Fox News Host and Author Gretchen Carlson Files Sexual Harassment/Retaliation Lawsuit Against Fox Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes"
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) July 6, 2016
Then a reporter with Politico weighed in:
Holy shit. Gretch Carlson files lawasuit against roger ailes, story coming
— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) July 6, 2016
In a statement, Carlson remarked:
“I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career. Although this was a difficult step to take, I had to stand up for myself and speak out for all women and the next generation of women in the workplace.”
To read the entire lawsuit, Click HERE