Gretchen Carlson files sex harassment suit against Fox News chief Roger Ailes in New Jersey court
Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson has sued network chairman Roger Ailes for alleged sexual harassment in superior court in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Carlson claims in the July 6 suit that Ailes fired her and “sabotaged her career” because she refused his sexual advances, report Law.com, the New York Times and CNN Money.
Ailes said in a statement that Carlson’s allegations are false and the suit is “offensive” and “wholly without merit.” “This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup,” the statement said.
The suit alleges violations of the New York City Human Rights Law.
Law.com reports that the Ailes is the only named defendant in the suit, which was filed in New Jersey where he lives. Princeton lawyer Linda Wong, a management-side employment attorney, told Law.com that Carlson likely sued in New Jersey because it has “a great record of jury verdicts in these kinds of cases.”
Because Ailes is a New Jersey resident, he cannot remove the case to federal court, Wong said. He could, however, file a forum non conveniens motion to have the case dismissed and refiled in New York if all the actions occurred there, Wong told Law.com.
The New York Times says Carlson has a “formidable team” on her side. She is represented by New Jersey lawyer Nancy Erika Smith, and her husband is sports agent Casey Close.
