After alleging that Steve created a “hostile work environment” for her, Gretchen details some of her former co-worker’s behavior, which included, “attempting to put her in her place by refusing to accept and treat her as an intelligent and insightful female journalist rather than a blond female prop.”
Steve also mocked her during commercial breaks, shunned her off-air, refused to engage with her on-air and belittled her contributions to the show, according to the legal documents.
Despite these allegations, Fox News released a statement to HollywoodLife.com that shuts Gretchen’s accusations down. “Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, FOX News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11 year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.”
Gretchen actually filed the lawsuit against Roger, alleging that he “sabotaged her career because she refused his sexual advances and complained about severe and pervasive sexual harassment.” When it came to her conflict with Steve, Gretchen claims that Roger called her a “man-hater” and “killer,” and told her to start getting “along with the boys.” What!?
See Gretchen’s Sexual Harassment Docs HERE
And when the 50-year-old complained to Roger about the ongoing discriminatory treatment in Sept. 2015, he allegedly told her, “I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago and then you’d be good and better and I’d be good and better,” according to Gretchen’s documents. Her contract with Fox News was terminated on June 23, which she says was a deliberate sabotage of her career by the CEO.
“Opposing sexism and rejected unwanted sexual come-ons should never cost a woman her job or subject her to disparagement and emotional anguish,” Gretchen’s lawyers stated. The journalist is demanding compensatory damages, damages for mental anguish, reimbursement for negative tax consequences resulting from a jury verdict, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and costs of suit.
HollywoodLifers, are you shocked by Gretchen’s allegations? Do you think she’s telling the truth?