After 21 years, longtime Fox News pundit Bill O’Reilly will be leaving the channel amidst swirling controversy over numerous sexual harassment claims against him. According to a statement from 21 Century Fox, the network’s parent company: “After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News channel.”
O’Reilly’s fall from grace had accelerated swiftly over the past few weeks, following a New York Times exposé that he and Fox had paid $13 million in out-of-court settlements over the years to clear up his alleged indiscretions. Since that report, more women have come forward with sexual harassment claims by O’Reilly.
For his part, O’Reilly maintains that all the allegations against him are false. As quoted in Wall Street Journal, O’Reilly’s attorney claims that the host is the victim of “character assassination” and a “smear campaign” by far-leftists.
Fox News did not immediately name a replacement for O’Reilly, who had been due to return to air Monday, April 24, from a European vacation.
—RealClearLife
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
