Fox In Flux As Report Says Roger Ailes May Be On His Way Out

The drama surrounding Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes and the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson continued to balloon Monday, as one news report said Ailes could soon be out of a job.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who owns 21st Century Fox, and his two sons have reportedly decided to let the 76-year-old Ailes go, according to New York Magazine. Murdoch thinks Ailes, whose broadcasting fame has increased along with his role in Republican politics, should not be removed until after this week's GOP convention, according to the report.

But one of Murdoch's sons, James, thinks Ailes should be "presented with a choice this week to resign or face being fired," the magazine reported, citing two sources "briefed on a sexual-harassment investigation of Ailes." The story was authored by Gabriel Sherman, who wrote an influential biography of Ailes in 2014.

Interviews connected to the investigation are being conducted at the Midtown Manhattan offices of the Paul, Weiss law firm, according to the report, because of concerns that Fox News may be "bugged."

In a statement to Patch, 21st Century Fox said no decision on Ailes's future had been made. "This matter is not yet resolved and the review is not concluded," the statement said.

Carlson accused Ailes of asking for sexual favors and not renewing her contract after she refused his advances. Her lawsuit also describes Ailes as a crude and impolite boss who regularly made sexual comments to female employees and fostered a good-ol-boys culture at the conservative cable news company.

READ MORE:

• 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

Images: Roger Ailes by Sgt. Christopher Tobey, Public Domain; Gretchen Carlson, via Facebook