Even in the New Year, 2016 somehow manages to add to its reputation as a complete and utter dumpster fire. In a year that saw upwards of 20 women accuse former Fox News chief, Roger Ailes, of sexual harassment, recent reports have revealed that the network is once again in the hot seat for brushing additional allegations against another high-status employee, Bill O’Reilly, under the rug.
O’Reilly, who currently hosts a conservative political commentary program, The O’Reilly Factor, is said to have pursued an unwanted sexual relationship with former local anchor, Juliet Huddy, beginning in 2011. According to a letter from Huddy’s lawyers obtained by The New York Times, O’Reilly attempted to wine and dine the aspiring television personality, inviting her to dinner, the theater and his house on Long Island. In addition to trying to kiss her, he also repeatedly called Huddy, sometimes while he was masturbating, and on one occasion, greeted her at the door wearing only his boxer shorts. So smooth.
While O’Reilly denies all claims, Fox News reportedly reached a secret settlement with Huddy of an undisclosed six-figure amount in exchange for her silence, and she ultimately left the company in September 2016 after over a decade of work. At the time of her departure, she made no references to the allegations, likely due to a confidentiality agreement.
Neither the network nor O’Reilly is a stranger to sexual harassment claims. In 2004, a producer of The O’Reilly Factor, Andrea Mackris, sued the 69-year-old for making unwanted sexual advances and vulgar comments, including multiple suggestions that she purchase a vibrator. The 23-page court document is publicly accessible if you’re interested in learning more about the host’s sleazeball tendencies.
Following the Ailes’ fallout, Fox executives affirmed that such behavior will not be tolerated by the company, though they have yet to comment on O’Reilly’s alleged behavior.