Ex-Fox host describes ‘sex-fueled Playboy Mansion-like cult’ in suit
New lawsuit says top deputies knew of Ailes’ actions
In her retaliation lawsuit against Fox News, former co-host of “Outnumbered” Andrea Tantaros describes the unit of 21st Century Fox as a “sex-fueled Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny.”
The lawsuit, which also names Fox News’ ousted leader Roger Ailes and its top executives, says Tantaros was removed from her on-air role in retaliation for making a sexual harassment complaint.
Tantaros has been off the air since April 25.
The network has said her removal was due to her not allowing management to vet her book “Tied Up In Knots” before promoting it on the air.
But Tantaros, who remains on the payroll at Fox News, alleges she is being benched for complaining about being sexually harassed by Ailes.
Her complaints were ignored, her suit said, and other top executives, including new Fox News co-President Bill Shine, were involved in covering them up.
Ailes resigned July 21, two weeks after former anchor Gretchen Carlson sued him for allegedly sabotaging her career in retaliation for rebuffing his sexual advances and complaining about a hostile work environment.
An internal investigation turned up many other allegations of harassment involving Ailes, but none of his top deputies were implicated.
Shine, a 20-year veteran of Fox News, was promoted to co-president after Ailes’ departure. But Tantaros’ suit alleges Shine and others were well aware of Ailes’ actions.
The suit names Fox News, Ailes, Shine, the company’s attorney Dianne Brandi, communications chief Irena Briganti and longtime programming executive Suzanne Scott, who was also promoted.
“Ailes did not act alone,” said the complaint filed in a New York court Monday. “He may have been the primary culprit, but his actions were condoned by his most senior lieutenants, who engaged in a concerted effort to silence Tantaros by threats, humiliation, and retaliation.”
Ailes has denied all of the sexual harassment charges against him. Fox News is not commenting on Tantaros’ lawsuit.
Tantaros’ lawsuit said she was not among the Fox News employees interviewed by the law firm Paul Weiss, which conducted the internal investigation after Carlson filed her lawsuit.