Fox News could cut ties with star host Bill O’Reilly within the next several days, according to a published report. The host of “The O’Reilly Factor” has been at the center of a sexual harassment scandal following reports of previously undisclosed settlements paid to women who had worked…
Fox News could cut ties with star host Bill O’Reilly within the next several days, according to a published report.
The host of “The O’Reilly Factor” has been at the center of a sexual harassment scandal following reports of previously undisclosed settlements paid to women who had worked on or appeared on his show.
The Wall Street Journal, citing “people close to the situation,” is reporting that a final decision on whether O’Reilly stays or goes could come in days.
While Fox News initially stood by O’Reilly, the pressure has been building since The New York Times reported April 1 that $13 million in settlements was paid to five women, prompting advertisers to abandon the show, though his ratings remained strong. O’Reilly has denied wrongdoing, saying he agreed to the settlements to “put to rest any controversies to spare my children.”
O’Reilly has been off the air for a week, since he announced he was going on vacation. He had been expected to return to the air next week.
The O’Reilly matter follows the departure last year of Fox News chief executive Roger Ailes amid accusations of sexual harassment. Ailes has also denied the accusations.
