Sexual harassment is not limited to the stereotypical positions, although it happens there as well, it happens in every job to everyone. As a recent news story illustrates, it can even happen to news anchors at prominent television networks. According to reports, Gretchen Carlson, a Fox News host, who was a regular on Fox and Friends and had her own show, the Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Roger Ailes, the Chairman of Fox News.
In June, Ms. Carlson’s was not renewed. In her complaint, she alleges that this was because she rebuffed the sexual advances made many times by her boss, Mr. Ailes.
According to her lawsuit, she alleges that she was treated in a sexist manner while on Fox and Friends. She also complained of the atmosphere in the Fox Newsroom claiming it was a “boys club.” She even alleges that Mr. Ailes made several lewd comments to her and that she refused his sexual advances on several occasions.
Mr. Ailes counters that her lawsuit is retaliation because the network canceled her show due to low ratings.
Regardless of how this lawsuit eventually resolves itself, it is illustrative of the fact that sexual harassment is still prevalent. It isn’t necessarily obvious, a la Mad Men-Esque, but it still happens.
If you believe that you were the subject of an unwanted sexual advance in the workplace then you may want to speak to an attorney. A lawyer can review the situation with you and advise you on the next best step. It could be a lawsuit or it could be a formal complaint filed with your Human Resources department.
The New York Times, “Gretchen Carlson of Fox News Files Harassment Lawsuit Against Roger Ailes”, Michael M. Grynbaum, John Koblin, July 6, 2016