Ex-Fox News host sues Ailes, other top execs

NEW YORK — Former Fox News host Andrea Tantaros has charged in a lawsuit she was sexually harassed by former network chief Roger Ailes and other top executives.

The defendants in the lawsuit filed Monday in Manhattan state Supreme Court include William Shine, who was named co-president of Fox News after Ailes resigned because of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by another former anchor, Gretchen Carlson.

“Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fuelled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny,” Tantaros charges in the suit.

Fox News said Tuesday that it can’t comment on pending litigation.

Ailes resigned in July after Carlson said in a lawsuit that she was fired because she refused his sexual advances. He has denied the charges.

Tantaros says her complaint “gives life to the saying that ‘the fish stinks from the head.’

“For Ailes did not act alone,” Tantaros said. “He may have been the primary culprit, but his actions were condoned by most senior lieutenants, who engaged in a concerted effort to silence Tantaros by threats, humiliation, and retaliation.”