Fox News star axed over harassment claims
FOX News last night dropped one of its biggest stars after a series of accusations about sexual harassment.
Bill O’Reilly, 67, has come under pressure since the New York Times reported this month that Fox News paid out more than $13 million (£10.2 million) in settlements after at least five women accused him of sexual harassment.
Wendy Walsh, a radio presenter, alleges she was forced out of her job when she refused O’Reilly’s advances. O’Reilly has denied all the claims.
This week an African-American clerk came forward, saying O’Reilly called her “hot chocolate” and leered at her, frightening her. Marc E Kasowitz, O’Reilly’s lawyer, called the anonymous accusation “outrageous”.
The Murdoch family, which owns Fox News, was initially determined to keep its ratings champion, despite more than 50 advertisers pulling out of his show, The O’Reilly Factor.
He recently signed a new multi-year contract worth more than $20 million a year. Last night the company said: “After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel.”
O’Reilly issued a statement saying: “It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims. But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today.”