Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gretchen Carlson: Video shows onslaught of ‘sexist’ comments faced by Fox News host

Her co-hosts subjected her to constant remarks about her appearance on live television

 

Rachael Revesz
New York
Friday 08 July 2016 19:35 BST
Comments
Comments were focused on Ms Carlson's appearance
Comments were focused on Ms Carlson's appearance (YouTube)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A new video shows a collection of “sexist” remarks and jokes endured by Gretchen Carlson, the Fox News host who is suing the network’s CEO and chairman.

The video, compiled by Bloomberg Politics, shows guests and co-hosts calling Ms Carlson “beautiful” and “hot” on her former daily show called "Fox and Friends".

They also regularly comment on what she is wearing.

The video has racked up more than 1.3 million views since it was posted on 7 July.

Not on the video is Roger Ailes, CEO and chairman of Fox, the defendant in her lawsuit.

Ms Carlson, who worked at Fox News for 11 years, was downgraded from a prime time to an early afternoon slot in 2013 before her contract was terminated on 23 June, despite receiving “solid and consistent” ratings.

Mr Ailes said in a statement that Ms Carlson’s allegations are false and “convenient” as she filed the suit around the same time she was fired.

Jon Stewart accused Ms Carlson of “dumbing herself down” on television in 2009. She graduated Stanford and Oxford and won a Miss America competition in 1989 by playing a rendition of Sarasota’s “Zigeunerweisen” on the violin.

Despite support from previous employees at Fox News, who spoke to the media anonymously, not everyone is supportive.

“She’s disgruntled she didn’t get her contract renewed and the timing is very suspicious,” Fox host Greta Van Susteren told the New York Times.

“I’ve been here 15 years I haven’t seen it and frankly I’m rather outspoken and I don’t think I’d stick around for it.”

The plaintiff is suing Mr Ailes for damages for pressuring her into a sexual relationship and terminating her contract for rebuffing his advances.

Mr Ailes, 76, said he will "vigourously defend" his innocence.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in