Ousted Fox News host Bill O'Reilly is under fire once more after an investigative report by the New York Times revealed details of an additional sexual harassment settlement that totaled $32 million.
Initially, five women were reported to have been paid a sum totaling $13 million in settlements from Fox News and O'Reilly on the condition that the accusers keep mum on the allegations and don't pursue litigation.
But then details of a sixth settlement emerged.
The Times said 21st Century Fox renewed O'Reilly's contract months after he reached a $32 million sexual harassment settlement with network analyst Lis Wiehl, who was going to sue O'Reilly for alleged sexual misconduct.
"I think it's horrifying and outrageous," proclaimed Gretchen Carlson on CNN's "Reliable Sources." Carlson received $20 million after alleging harassment against CEO Roger Ailes, and she was prompted to tweet her frustration over the latest revelation.
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Her tweet came in response to O'Reilly dismissing the Times' report as more "lies and smear."
O'Reilly still claims he hasn't mistreated anyone. He was fired after another Times story broke on April 1, reporting on O'Reilly's secret settlements with other accusers after a months-long investigation. Advertisers pulled from his show, and Tucker Carlson promptly replaced him. O'Reilly denied the allegations then and still does to this day.
A spokesperson for O'Reilly defended him on his website:
“The Times printed leaked information provided by anonymous sources that is out of context, false, defamatory, and obviously designed to embarrass Bill O’Reilly and to keep him from competing in the marketplace."
If there's an ounce of veracity in his innocence, then the former Fox News journalist is a very generous gentleman. Still, in the wake of Lis Wiehl's case, Fox is getting renewed criticism for continually sweeping allegations of sexual misconduct under the rug.
Carlson attributed the problem to "corporate culture" at Fox:
"This is covering up, this is enablers, this is shutting up the victims. And I think it's absolutely horrifying that we've allowed this to go on for so long in our corporate culture."
Speaking on the settlement, MSNBC's Joy Reid indicated she supports Carlson, saying:
"Let me guess: you just had $32 million lying around and decided to give it to a nice lady you totally didn't sexually assault."
People couldn't agree more with Carlson's tweet, expressing their admiration for the outspoken television commentator and author.
The author released a book earlier this week, titled, Be Fierce. The book covers sexual harassment in the workplace, and she hopes to empower women. "We are on a movement to speak up and be heard, and there's no turning back for women in the workplace," she said.
How fierce is that?
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