Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson lobbed some explosive allegations against network chief Roger Ailes in her sexual harassment lawsuit on Wednesday.
The suit, filed in Bergen County, New Jersey, claims the “Real Story” host refused Ailes’ sexual advances and “as a direct and proximate result” her relationship with Fox News was severed nine months later. According to the filing obtained by TheWrap, Carlson’s employment was terminated on June 23.
Fox News has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Carlson seeks a “trial by jury with respect to all issues that are so triable [sic],” according to the suit, adding that the loss of employment has caused “significant economic, emotional and professional harm.”
Below are five of Carlson’s most eyebrow-raising claims:
1. Ailes called her a “man hater” — after she complained of being harassed by a co-worker
In 2009, when Carlson was a co-host of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” she was routinely harassed and discriminated against by co-host Steve Doocy, according to the Ailes lawsuit. Doocy engaged in “a pattern and practice of severe and pervasive sexual harassment of Carlson,” according to the document, but when Carlson filed a complaint, Ailes was less than sympathetic.
Ailes called Carlson a “man hater,” “killer” and told her she needed to learn to “get along with the boys.”
2. Ailes fired her from “Fox and Friends”
Even more than calling her names, Carlson claims, Ailes sabotaged her professionally, by outright terminating her from “Fox and Friends,” despite her contribution to the show’s high ratings. Carlson was reassigned to a solo 2-3 p.m. ET slot on the network, where she saw her compensation slashed.
3. Ailes ogled her in his office during private meetings
Ailes routinely sexually harassed Carlson in his office, according to the lawsuit, which quotes Ailes as having said, “I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago and then you’d be good and better and I’d be good and better.”
Additionally, Carlson claims that Ailes has asked her to turn around so he could see her posterior and commented on clothing which showed off her figure, asking her to wear them more.
4. Ailes sexually harassed Carlson in public
The sexual harassment didn’t just happen behind closed doors, according to the suit.
During an event, Ailes boasted to other attendees that he stays seated when a woman approaches him so “she has to bend over to say hello,” as Carlson approached him, according to the suit. He also allegedly told others in her presence that he had slept with three former Miss Americas, but not her.
5. Ailes reinforced the gender pay gap to sabotage Carlson
Ailes also purposely sabotaged Carlson’s professional career, she alleges.
The exec reduced Carlson’s pay “to a level that was greatly disproportionate to that of similarly-situated male employees and others who had not complained about discrimination and harassment,” the suit claims.
In addition, she alleges that he “severely” curtailed her appearances as guest commentator on prime time shows, refused to assign her to cover high profile events and interviews, and failed to give her proper PR and social media support.