Bill O’Reilly, the Fox News talk show host and one of the most popular and influential right-wing American commentators of the past couple of decades, has been forced out of the network on the basis of a series of sexual harassment allegations.
O’Reilly, who basically wrote the script for how conservative commentators talk across the world – which has had a fair impact right here in Australia, in fact – comes after The New York Times revealed over $13 million had been paid out to five women who alleged that O’Reilly had sexually harassed them.
“After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel,” 21st Century Fox, the parent company of Fox News, said in a statement.
Though Fox had stood by their popular commentator throughout the storm of allegations, the sheer number of advertisers pulling out of O’Reilly’s show eventually meant they had no choice but to boot him. Because, obviously, sexual harassment doesn’t matter until big money gets involved.
Rupert Murdoch and his sons Lachlan and James issued a joint statement to Fox staff describing O’Reilly as “one of the most accomplished TV personalities in the history of cable news.” The letter continued: “His success, by any measure, is indisputable.” But, y’know, not much about the harassment itself.
“Lastly, and most importantly, we want to underscore our consistent commitment to fostering a work environment built on the values of trust and respect,” the Murdochs added.
This is a pretty big blow to the Fox News behemoth, no matter which way you spin it.
Source: New York Times.
Photo: Getty Images.
