Fox News network has settled another sexual harassment scandal. Juliet Huddy, a local New York television personality, has alleged that both Bill O’Reilly and longtime Fox executive, Jack Abernethy, pursued her, albeit, unsuccessfully for sexual relationships. She rebuffed both relationships to her own demise. Fox has denied Huddy’s allegations, but nevertheless, settled the potential lawsuit for a disclosed sum on money combined with an expensive confidentiality clause.
Huddy and her family are well-known to the Fox family. Her father, John Huddy Sr., was consultant to Fox News and a friend to former network executive, Roger Ailes. Her brother, John Huddy Jr., continues to work there as a correspondent based in Jerusalem.
Huddy’s attorneys drafted a letter to Fox News detailing the allegations, a letter also anonymously forwarded to the New York Times, which was authenticated. According to news reports, O’Reilly allegedly invited Huddy to his home, took her to dinner, tried to kiss her and called her while masturbating. Abernethy made sexual advances and retaliated against her once they were unrequited.
According to Huddy, both O’Reilly and Abernethy had significant influence over her career and once she rebuked their advances O’Reilly began berating her for minor errors and Abernathy began “trashing her” at the office. Additionally, O’Reilly cancelled her segment “Mad as Hell,” failed to prepare her segments, and surprised her with new questions on-air.
Fox denies all of the aforementioned allegations and Huddy is no longer on the air. However, during her farewell to her local New York audience she was hopeful to be on-air soon. As far as Bill O’Reilly, his show continues to be highly popular.