The workplace culture at Fox News continues to come under fire. Andrea Tantaros, a former host at the cable network, filed a lawsuit on Monday claiming that she was sexually harassed by not only former Fox News Chief Roger Ailes, but popular prime time host Bill O’Reilly and former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown.
The lawsuit, first obtained by The New York Times, describes Fox News as a “sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency, and misogyny” and calls Ailes a “sexual predator” who “did not act alone.” Tantaros alleges Ailes retaliated against her for rebuffing his advances by removing her from the evening panel-discussion program, “The Five,” and ordering the Fox News media relations department to turn against her.
The suit also alleges that newly appointed Fox News co-president Bill Shine encouraged Tantaros to drop her harassment claims.
Tantaros’ suit comes nearly seven weeks after former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson accused Ailes of sexual harassment. Her complaint prompted at least 20 women to come forward with their own stories of harassment at the former Fox News boss. Ailes, who resigned on July 21, has denied all the allegations.
Tantaros went public with sexual harassment allegations against Ailes in early August, claiming he made sexually charged comments about her appearance and asked her to “turn around” so he could get a look at her. When she refused, the suit states, she was shifted from the popular 5 p.m. show to a lower-rated midday program.
Her lawsuit names several men who Tantaros claims made unwanted sexual comments or advances toward her, including O’Reilly, Brown, Fox News correspondent John Roberts, on-air guest Ben Collins, and actor Dean Cain. None of these men are named as defendants in the case.
“Ailes did not act alone,” the lawsuit states. “He may have been the primary culprit, but his actions were condoned by his most senior lieutenants, who engaged in a concerted effort to silence Tantaros by threats, humiliation and retaliation.”
Fox News says the network does not comment on pending litigation. A source with knowledge of the legal proceedings told BuzzFeed News earlier in August that Tantaros was removed from Fox News air over a contract dispute involving her book.
