With the growing pressure of big companies pulling ads in reaction to consumer boycotts and his sexual harassment settlements amounting to $13 million, The Los Angeles Times reports Bill O’Reilly is officially parting ways with Fox and not by choice.
“After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the Company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel,” the statement said.
The number one anchor on Fox has reportedly been abusing women since 2002 and making media headlines over it for more than a year — after multiple women came forward. But it’s not been until recently that Fox has taken his behavior seriously.
O’Reilly’s behavior has been under scrutiny since an April 1 report in the New York Times that said he and Fox News have paid $13 million in settlements against women who have accused him of sexual harassment or abusive behavior going back to 2002. As a result, advertisers moved their spots out of his program, “The O’Reilly Factor,” which has the highest ratings in cable news.
The matter reached a crisis level this week because the law firm Paul Weiss is investigating a claim that O’Reilly reneged on offering a paid contributor’s job to Wendy Walsh, a frequent guest on his program, after she spurned his advances at a dinner meeting in 2013.
Here is the internal 21st Century Fox memo sent to Fox employees/staff:
“Fostering a work environment built on values and trust...” Given their history, they’ve got a LOT of work to do. And funny how they want to foster that environment after 50 sponsors left O’Reilly’s show. Money talks. Bullshit walks.
That said, it’s good to see that Bill O’Reilly’s deeds have finally caught up with him and he’s paying the price via career as well as financially. This is also an excellent message that is being sent out to victims of sexual abuse and discrimination. And isn’t it about time? May the trend continue.
Good riddance—or as the internet is shouting out: #ByeByeO’Reilly! We look forward to seeing Donald Trump, Predator in Chief, pay his price as well for countless sexual abuse accusations including the rape of a child. And he will pay. Americans will eventually see to it.
If you or someone you know is, or has ever been, a victim of rape/sexual assault, you are not alone and it’s never too late to seek help. You can find free support via the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and/or by visiting the Rape, Abuse Incest National Network/online.RAINN.org. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. You do not have to live with guilt and shame. You are not alone. If you can hold on to one thing, remember this — it was not your fault.