Despite controversy and scandal, former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly had his contract renewed in January after settling one of the sexual harassment claims. According to the Times, O'Reilly struck a 32 million settlement — a much larger amount than the other settlements — with former Fox News analysist Lis Wiehl a month before his contract was renewed.This was the sixth settlement O'Reilly agreed to.

In February he received a 4-year contract which would have paid him 25 million a year. Variety is reporting this was a 5 million increase from his previous contract.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the contract stated if any new sexual harassment charges came out it would lead to his termination.

21st Century Fox responds

According to Variety, 21St Century Fox, the parent company of Fox News, is defending the decision to renew the contract. They claim the renewal would have given the company the ability to separate themselves from O'Reilly if additional harassment charges came out. The company was aware of Weihl's settlement when the renewal was offered.

According to the New York Times, 21st Century Fox attempted to cover up the second wave of sexual harassment claims against O'Reilly. These accusations led to the firing of O'Reilly and the late Roger Ailes, former Fox News chairman.

O'Reilly was accused of sexual harassment, the distribution of homosexual pornography, and a non-consensual sexual relationship, according to the New York Times.

O'Reilly was one of the most popular Fox News hosts and ran his show for 21 years. He was fired in April 2017 when the New York Times revealed he had been involved in sexual harassment settlements from as early as 2002.

The limelight and sexual misconduct

Actresses and female film crew members recently accused film producer, Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, as well. Unlike O'Reilly, Weinstein's reputation has plummeted and sparked conversations concerning Hollywood's sexual misconduct problems.

An investigation conducted by the New York Times found women have been accusing Weinstein of sexual misconduct for over three decades.

Over the years, Weinstein has reached eight settlements with some of the estimated 46 accusers.

In a statement to the Times, Weinstein said he apologizes for any pain he has caused these women. He recently completed a week-long program at a sex addiction rehabilitation center.
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