After a week of speculation and false reports, it seems that Roger Ailes is finally out at Fox News. According to a press release at 21st Century Fox, the former Chair and CEO resigned earlier today amid a sexual harassment scandal that originated with a claim by Gretchen Carlson, and has seemingly snowballed to include further claims more current and former Fox employees, reportedly including Megyn Kelly.
“Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country,” wrote 21st Century Fox’s Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch. “Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years.”
Murdoch also announced that he would assume the role that Ailes had occupied, a fun monster sprouting in his stead. Murdoch wrote:
I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice. Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country.
To ensure continuity of all that is best about Fox News and what it stands for, I will take over as Chairman and acting CEO, with the support of our existing management team under Bill Shine, Jay Wallace and Mark Kranz.”
The release did not refer at all to the reason for Ailes’s resignation, nor did it mention the sexual harassment suit.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Ailes would be given a parachute of upwards of $40 million upon his departure, though that has not been officially confirmed.
Jezebel will update this post as more information comes in.
Update, 5:20 PM: New York Times TV reporter John Koblin tweeted that Carlson’s lawyer has released a statement: