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Fox News, Gretchen Carlson settling sexual harassment lawsuit

Posted at 10:33 AM, Sep 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-06 10:33:04-04

NEW YORK — 21st Century Fox has agreed to a settlement with Gretchen Carlson, the anchorwoman who sued Roger Ailes alleging harassment and retaliation in July, Vanity Fair magazine reported Tuesday.

Ailes, the powerful Fox News CEO and chairman, resigned in the wake of the allegations, which he has continuously denied.

21st Century Fox, however, is acknowledging harm.

In a highly unusual public statement on Tuesday morning, the company said, “We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect that she and all our colleagues deserve.”

According to Vanity Fair, Fox’s settlement with Carlson is for $20 million. The magazine reports that Fox has also reached settlements with two other women who alleged harassment by Ailes.

In a statement of her own, Carlson said, “I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my Complaint. 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. 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. All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded.”