She has the means, and she certainly has the determination.
And now former Fox News Gretchen Carlson has set one very powerful and public example, by successfully taking on a former employer over the treatment she received while on the job.
Carlson has reached a massive US$20 million settlement deal with 21st Century Fox, after suing her former boss, Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes.
Carlson had complained that Ailes had “sabotaged” her career and victimised her — demoting and then sacking her — after rejected his advances.
The former Fox & Friends host has also received a public apology from the Rupert Murdoch owned company, which issued a rather unusual statement following the settlement, expressing it’s regret that Gretchen was not treated with respect and dignity by her colleagues.
As the statement read:
“During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism. She developed a loyal audience and was a daily source of information for many Americans. We are proud that she was part of the Fox News team. We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve.”
Carlson was also quoted in the statement, thanking her supporters and declaring she’s ready to move on and help empower more women.
“I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my Complaint. I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace. I want to thank all the brave women who came forward to tell their own stories and the many people across the country who embraced and supported me in their #StandWithGretchen. All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded.”
Apparently, Ailes will not be “contributing anything” to the settled fee, according to the a lawyer quoted in the New York Times. While he had denied the allegations, he resigned from the job following an investigation by the parent company that saw other female employees make similar complaints. Fox has also settled a “handful” of other similar lawsuits for much smaller fees than what was paid to Carlson.