With over 60 advertisers dropping like flies and revelations of a work environment surrounded by Sexual Harassment, it looks like it’s time for the Murdochs to decide on what type of legacy they want to leave behind. On Sunday, attorney Lisa Bloom told CNN’s “Reliable Sources” that Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, will be looking into sexual harassment allegations made against host Bill O’Reilly. News of the investigation comes on the heels of Dr. Wendy Walsh’s (Bloom’s client) complaint regarding O’Reilly’s workplace misconduct. During their press conference on Monday, Walsh told how rejecting O’Reilly’s advances had cost her a job with Fox News.
Wendy Walsh, a former regular guest on “The O’Reilly Factor,” alleges that O’Reilly did not follow through on securing a job for her after she refused to join him at his hotel suite in 2013. Bloom expressed gratitude on CNN for all the advertisers who pulled their ads from “The O’Reilly Factor’s” airtime. She also mentioned being flooded with calls from dozens of women seeking representation in the matter. Bloom, who is the daughter of civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, said she believes more women will come forward.
Does this mean curtains for the popular show?
Fox News has been feeling the heat since the Times story broke about a $13 million settlement payout for five women. The women leveled complaints against Bill O’Reilly and they included allegations of verbal abuse, unwanted advances, lewd comments and phone calls where it sounded as though he was masturbating.
Some of the allegations date back to 2002. Attorneys for Fox News informed Lisa Bloom they will investigate her client’s complaint. In the meantime, Bill O’Reilly has hired crisis communications expert Mark Fabiani who released a statement which, in part, suggests O’Reilly is a target because of his prominence and wealth earned from hosting the top-rated cable news program in the nation.
O’Reilly’s attorney also released a statement noting that they are considering taking legal action to protect the Fox host’s reputation.
Time will tell how much the Murdochs are willing to lose
The Fox cable news network has taken major hits since last year when head honcho Roger Ailes was forced to step down for the same allegations brought on by multiple women.
A flurry of negative headlines about any news organization is not good and no matter how rich the owners (the Murdoch family) might be, loss of revenue is sure to warrant a serious board meeting as well.
