Roger Ailes Brags About Women He Helped in Fox News Exit Letter
Roger Ailes stepped down as chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel on Thursday amid a sexual harassment scandal, but he used his farewell letter to Rupert Murdoch to pat himself on the back for helping women.
“I am proud that we have built Fox News and Fox Business Channels into powerful and lucrative news organizations,” Ailes wrote in the letter, first obtained by Drudge Report. “I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions.”
Ailes continued: “Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength, whether reporting the news, fair and balanced, and offering exciting opinions on our opinion programs.”
Also Read: Roger Ailes Out at Fox News Channel
Ailes wrote that Fox News is the No. 1 network in all of cable because he “consistently identified and promoted the most talented men and women in television, and they performed at the highest levels.”
Ailes explained that he will not allow himself to become a distraction, and is confident that Fox News will thrive going forward.
“I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to work with you as a consultant in building 21st Century Fox,” Ailes wrote to end the letter.
Also Read: Fox News' Top Publicist Barred From Talking to Roger Ailes, Press (Report)
Ailes exits after “Real Story” host Gretchen Carlson accused him of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed on July 6. Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox swiftly opened an investigation into the claims against Ailes.
Carlson’s lawsuit claims Ailes sexually propositioned her, then fired her in retaliation after she complained about discrimination and harassment. Ailes has called her claims “false” and “offensive,” and promised a vigorous defense.
Until a permanent replacement for the decades-long chairman is named, Murdoch has taken the reins of Fox News and Fox Business.
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