Women’s Group Demands 21st Century Fox Fire Bill O’Reilly Immediately
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 9, 2016
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | 914-523-9145 | anna@unbendablemedia.com
Women’s Group Demands 21st Century Fox Fire Bill O’Reilly Immediately
Today, The New York Times revealed that in the weeks after Roger Ailes was ousted as chairman of Fox News, the network secretly settled sexual harassment claims about The O’Reilly Factor host and Fox News personality, Bill O’Reilly. In the aftermath of Ailes departure, Fox News executives pledged that such behavior would never be tolerated at the network again, but O’Reilly has continued to host his show on weekday nights and remained a regular fixture on the network.
According to a letter from the victim’s lawyers, O’Reilly tried to derail her career after she rejected his sexual advances. The letter also alleges that O’Reilly called the employee repeatedly, invited her to his house on Long Island, tried to kiss her, took her to dinner and the theater, and after asking her to return a key to his hotel room, appeared at the door in his boxer shorts. The New York Times reports that Huddy was paid six figures in exchange for her silence and agreement not to sue.
In response to the news, Karin Roland, chief campaigns officer at UltraViolet, released the following statement:
“21st Century Fox needs to fire Bill O’Reilly immediately for his disgusting and illegal behavior.
“As if the Roger Ailes scandal wasn’t bad enough, Fox News’ attempt to sweep severe sexual harassment allegations against O’Reilly under the rug is yet another example misogyny at work. This secret deal proves that Fox News executives are more concerned with protecting their public image, and that of their male anchors, than creating an environment that is safe for all its employees.
“The right to work in a safe and harassment-free environment is not a political issue, but a basic right. The network’s continued employment and protection of Bill O’Reilly, a man with numerous allegations of sexual assault and harassment against him, is wholly unacceptable.
“Plain and simple – Bill O’Reilly’s continued presence at 21st Century Fox is outrageous and puts the safety of Fox News employees at risk. He should be sent packing. Today.”
Earlier this year, UltraViolet launched an online ad campaign targeting Fox News employees with an ad reading: “Have You Been Harassed by Bill?” More than 38,000 UltraViolet members have signed onto a petition calling on 21st Century Fox to fire Fox News CEO Bill Shine and Fox News host Bill O’Reilly over their role in taking part in and covering up sexual abuse at Fox News.
View the petition here: http://act.weareultraviolet.
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UltraViolet is an online community of over 1,000,000 women and men who want to take collective action to expose and fight sexism in the public sector, private sector and the media. Find out more at WeAreUltraViolet.org.