Fox News is rumored to have paid Roger Ailes $40 million in exchange for stepping down from the company’s top post as a result of a slew of sexual harassment allegations.
News broke Tuesday that Gretchen Carlson, one of the women who says she was harassed by Ailes, will receive a $20 million settlement. Yes, it’s a gargantuan sum ― but the man accused of carrying out the harassment is walking away with a payout twice as large as his alleged victim.
This is a fact that many on Twitter quickly took notice of after Carlson’s settlement was revealed:
Carlson also received an apology from 21st Century Fox as part of the settlement.
“During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism,” the network’s statement read, in part. “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.”
Since Carlson filed her sexual harassment suit this summer, more than 20 other women have come forward with similar tales of misconduct by Ailes, including Megyn Kelly.
“All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded”
- Gretchen Carlson
Carlson on Tuesday appeared to make peace with the network and sounded out an optimistic message for the future.
“I am gratified that 21st Century Fox took decisive action after I filed my Complaint,” she said in a statement. “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.”
“All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace in which talent, hard work and loyalty are recognized, revered and rewarded,” she concluded.