A lawsuit filed by former anchor Gretchen Carlson accuses Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes and anchor Steve Doocy of sexual harassment. The sexual harassment lawsuit lists allegations going back several years!
Carlson was the host of Fox & Friends from 2006 to 2013 before being fired from the position by Roger Ailes. According to the lawsuit, while Carlson was the host of the Fox & Friends, co-anchor Steve Doocy created a sexist and hostile work environment. The lawsuit alleges Doocy would grab Carlson’s arm and ‘shush’ her on-air. In addition, Carlson’s lawsuit claims Doocy engaged in sexual harassment off-air during commercial breaks. Other allegations mentioned in the lawsuit suggest male co-anchors would comment on Carlson’s skirt and ask for her expertise on underwear.
Carlson complained to Ailes about receiving unequal treatment from her male colleagues. Ailes allegedly retaliated by mocking Carlson and taking her off of Fox & Friends. The lawsuit alleges that Ailes offered to improve Carlson’s standing at Fox News in return for sexual favors.
Some of the examples of sexual harassment Roger Ailes allegedly directed at Carlson are disturbing. One quote mentioned in the lawsuit exclaimed “I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago, and then you’d be good and better and I’d be good and better.”
Coworkers of Carlson have spoken to the press, claiming that they are not surprised about the lawsuit or its allegations. In fact, other female Fox News anchors have come forward with similar allegations against Ailes.
What is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
If the allegations against Roger Ailes are true, it would be a perfect example of ‘quid pro quo sexual harassment’. Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that means ‘this for that’. Ailes allegedly offered to improve Carlson’s standing at Fox News in return for sexual favors.
Unfortunately, quid pro quo is a common type of sexual harassment. Workers who experience quid pro quo sexual harassment should contact an attorney to explore legal options.
The Los Angeles employment law attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison, P.C. can help workers who have been hurt by sexual harassment.