Eric Bolling, host of “Fox News Specialists,” has been fired after allegations of sexual harassment. He was suspended on August 5, but his departure from the network was announced on September 8.
21st Century Fox has been the subject of a series of sexual harassment accusations in recent years. On July 6, 2016, former chief executive Roger Ailes was accused of harassment by former host Gretchen Carlson. She claimed she was fired because she refused Ailes’ sexual advances. Three days later, six more women accused Ailes of harassment. Ailes denied all of these claims.
A few weeks later, Megyn Kelly, one of Fox News’ biggest stars, told investigators that Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her a decade earlier. Ailes resigned shortly afterward, and denied Kelly’s claims.
Fox’s top-rated host, Bill O’Reilly, was also ousted from the network after a series of sexual harassment allegations. The network paid out millions of dollars to settle claims against him going back to 2004.
Eric Bolling was one of Fox News’ rising stars. He worked as a commodities trader for some time before becoming a commentator on CNBC. He joined Fox Business Network in 2007 and, after Bill O’Reilly’s departure, became the host of “Fox News Specialists.”
The allegations state that Bolling sent lewd photos from his cellphone to former and current female colleagues at Fox News.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Generally speaking, harassment includes four types of behaviors:
- Physical
- Verbal/written
- Visual
- Sexual advances
All employees, regardless of gender or gender identity, have protection under California law from harassment. To bring a claim against your employer, there must be some sort of employment relationship. This includes job applicants and individual contractors.
Those who are the victims of sexual harassment may seek a variety of damages. These include:
- Compensatory damages for economic harm
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer
- Attorney fees and costs
- Injunctive relief
If you believe you have been the victim of sexual harassment in California, speak to an employment law attorney.