21st Century Fox has decided to investigate at least one sexual harassment claim against FOX News host Bill O'Reilly. The company has enlisted law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to initiate the investigation.
Lisa Bloom, a civil rights attorney, called 21st Century Fox's corporate hotline last week on behalf of her client, Wendy Walsh, to lodge a complaint against O'Reilly. When asked about the complaint, a 21st Century Fox spokesman responded by stating that the company "investigates all complaints" and "have asked the law firm Paul Weiss to continue assisting the company in these serious matters."
Walsh was a guest on O'Reilly's top-rated cable news show "The O'Reilly Factor" and has appeared multiple times in 2013. Earlier this month, as she went public with the sexual harassment claim, Walsh revealed that O'Reilly refused to secure a job for her at FOX News following her reluctance to satisfy his sexual pledge.
However, this isn't the first time 21st Century Fox has been faced with serious harassment claims. Five women have reportedly been paid a total of $13 million by either O'Reilly, Fox News or its parent 21st Century Fox over a period of more than a decade to cover the sexual harassment claims. Most of these women, in exchange, have agreed not to pursue litigation or go public with their accusations, according to The New York Times.
Walsh, who differs to the claims, has neither sued O'Reilly or sought a settlement from 21st Century Fox. O'Reilly, who responded to the claims in denial, insisted that he is targeted with allegations and lawsuits due to this celebrity status.
Meanwhile, about 60 advertisers have pulled out from O'Reilly's show following the accusations, according to Lawyer Herald. Giant advertisers who have ditched the O'Reilly Factor include Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and North America's BMW.
