Recently, Fox News has been high profile in the media for discrimination lawsuits brought by employees who are alleging sexual harassment and racial discrimination. The most shocking news report that hit the media and rocked the nation was about the firing of Bill O’Reilly due to sexual harassment allegations.
Bill O’Reilly Discrimination Lawsuits Based on Sexual Harassment
According to The New York Times , Fox settled complaints brought by five women who alleged Bill O’Reilly had sexually harassed them. The network launched an investigation into O’Reilly and discovered multiple women had reported inappropriate behavior that involved him.
The Murdoch family, which controls 21st Century Fox, decided the outcome, and in particular, Rupert Murdoch and his sons James and Lachlan arrived at their decision after the internal investigation. They paid $13 million to settle the women’s complaints.
O’Reilly’s termination came during his visit to Italy where he met Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
O’Reilly’s Rebuttal
CBS News reported that O’Reilly denied the sexual harassment allegations and has said he is confident the truth will come out. He said when it does, he expects everyone to be as shaken as he is.
More Lawsuits Against Fox News
The Washington Post reported that more employees have filed lawsuits against Fox News, and one of these lawsuits includes racial discrimination. A total of 13 current and former employees took separate legal actions against the news media outlet and alleged years of “hostile racial discrimination.”
Emmy-winning reporter Kelly Wright was among eleven of these people who filed a class action lawsuit against the network in the NY Supreme Court. All the complaints involved company Controller Judith Slater.
Lawsuits are part of doing business, even for large companies. However, by putting strong anti-discrimination programs in place, companies can often eliminate discrimination and avoid lawsuits.
Stephen Hans & Associates assists small and medium sized business owners with employment related concerns.