Roger Ailes Resigns As Fox News Chairman

Roger Ailes resigned his position as chairman and acting CEO of Fox News, following claims he sexually harassed female anchors, including Gretchen Carlson, who filed a lawsuit two weeks ago that said he made sexual advances toward her and didn't renew her contract after she refused them.

His resignation, announced by 21st Century Fox, ends the reign of one of the most powerful and influential figures in the news media. Ailes has overseen the station's rise from niche news network to the highest-rated cable news channel and towering influence in the conservative world. And his lowest moment came on the final day of the Republican convention, one of the station's biggest days of the year.

In recent weeks Ailes has been portrayed as a randy TV executive who ogled women in his office, prodded them about their marriages and made casual remarks about their appearance in passing.

Carlson's lawsuit said Ailes told her, "I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago and then you’d be good and better and I’d be good and better." Her attorney, Nancy Erika Smith, told New York Magazine that at least six other women have come forward, including "women as young as 16 who said he demanded oral sex."

“Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country," 21st Century Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch, who will act as interim chairman and CEO, said in a press release. "Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years."

Previous coverage:

• Roger Ailes Sex Claims and Possible Resignation from Fox News Stun GOP Convention Goers
• Roger Ailes In 'Advanced Stages' Of Negotiations To Leave Fox News Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
• Fox In Flux As Report Says Roger Ailes May Be On His Way Out
• Gretchen Carlson Of Fox News Sues Roger Ailes For Sexual Harassment
• Gretchen Carlson Defends Lawsuit Against Roger Ailes
• More Women Come Forward Accusing Roger Ailes of Sexual Harassment

The company's statement makes no reference to any of the allegations levied against him by the women who have come forward. 21st Century Fox did launch an investigation immediately following Carlson's lawsuit and has reportedly been interviewing alleged victims in the Midtown Manhattan offices of the Paul, Weiss law firm, something that would have been unheard of even 10 years ago.

Several of the network's most prominent personalities reacted on Twitter:

Carlson released a statement through her attorneys:

This is a developing story and will be updated.