Following the recent release of the movie Bombshell, it is easy to get wrapped up in what is fact and what is fictional concerning the movie. The movie's premise follows Gretchen Carlson's sexual harassment lawsuit against Roger Ailes and her hopes of attracting other women within Fox who have experienced the same thing.
In the summer of 2016, Carlson leaves Fox after 11 years when her contract expires. Carlson would later sue Ailes and claim that her contract was not renewed because Ailes wanted revenge against her for refusing his sexual advancements. She also claimed that Ailes was not alone in his misconduct; Carlson also accused Steve Doocy, among others, of sexual misconduct.
Eventually, after being called out for her silence, Megyn Kelly stated that the Fox CEO had made inappropriate advancements towards her. Kelly claimed that the misconduct occurred ten years prior to Carlson's lawsuit when she was new to the network. After the release of Bombshell, Megyn admitted she felt "powerless" and that she wished she had done more.
On July 21st, 2016 Roger Ailes steps down as chairman and CEO of Fox. Ailes was given $40 million as settlement and served as compensation for the rest of his contract with the network. By September 6th, Carlson agrees to settle her lawsuit for $20 million, however, Ailes did not pay any of the settlement himself as it came from Fox.
After the scandal, the network announced that they created a new panel known as the Fox News Workplace Professionalism and Inclusion Council. This council consisted of two human resources executives from the network and four independent experts who will strive to increase transparency within the company by publishing reports given to Fox directors.
My question to you is, is this really justice? How is settling for a large amount of money punishing Ailes for his sexual harassment towards the nearly two dozen women who were brave enough to come forward? Personally, I believe that Ailes was not properly punished for his misconduct. He received no jail time and he did not even pay the settlements himself. I do not see how this was considered justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment