A recent class action lawsuit filed against Fox News and top level current and former employees alleges race discrimination was widespread behind the scenes.Plaintiffs’ attorneys released a statement lampooning Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, stating that based on the facts of the case, they are more like “18th Century Fox.”
While this may sound like an extreme position, the complaint includes allegations that Roger Ailes denied security clearance to non-whites to be on the same floor as his office, and had a wall constructed in his office to keep out minorities. Other allegations include countless racially insensitive statements, several denials of opportunity due to race discrimination, as well as retaliation claims for opposing racism.
Who Is Suing?
The class action was initially started by two employees of Fox News in the payroll department last month, however it has since expanded to include 11 current and former employees. Additionally, while the class action is filed in New York state court, an additional payroll employee has filed an individual race discrimination claim against Fox News in New York’s federal district court.
Most notably of all the plaintiffs is Fox News anchor Kelly Wright. Wright was a former host of the program Fox & Friends and currently hosts the show America’s News Headquarters.
On top of the class action, ex-Fox News host Andrea Tantaros has filed a lawsuit against Fox News that not only alleges sexual harassment claims, but also asserts that she was hacked, spied on, and cyber-bullied and harassed.
Who Is Being Sued?
In addition to Fox News and their parent company 21st Century Fox being hauled into court as a result of the class action, high level executives have also been named Dianne Brandi, Fox’s top attorney, and Judith Slater, Fox’s controller.
Ms. Tantaros’s lawsuit includes claims against Roger Ailes individually, as well as claims against Fox News and their parent company.
Related Resources:
- Gretchen Carlson Settles Sexual Harassment Suit Against Fox, Roger Ailes for $ 20M (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Is Rupert Murdoch About to Oust Fox News CEO Roger Ailes? (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Bill O’Reilly Wants $ 10M from Ex, Claims Cheating and Misrepresentation (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Ivanka Trump Flops: Flammable Fabrics and Civic Forgetfulness (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)