Roger Ailes In 'Advanced Stages' Of Negotiations To Leave Fox News Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Rumors swirled Tuesday afternoon about beleaguered chairman Roger Ailes' status with Fox News, the network he grew into the cable news giant it is today. His attorney, Susan Estrich, told The New York Times Ailes is in advanced stages of discussions that would lead to his departure as chairman of Fox News.

The Drudge Report first reported on Twitter that Ailes was on his way out, and The Daily Beast followed up shortly after with a confirmation of its own, citing the network. But Drudge's tweet was deleted just minutes later, and now the Daily Beast says that Fox "walked back that confirmation."

Ailes was sued by former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson, who alleged that Ailes made sexual advances toward her and that her contract was not renewed after she refused them.

• Also on Patch: Roger Ailes Sex Claims and Possible Resignation from Fox News Stun GOP Convention Goers

CNN media reporter Brian Stelter said there was "conflicting information" about Ailes' current status.

Patch has reached out to Fox News for comment.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who owns 21st Century Fox, and his two sons decided to let the 76-year-old Ailes go, New York Magazine reported Monday. Rupert 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.

SEE ALSO:

• 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

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.

After Carlson's lawsuit was filed, at least six women have approached Carlson's law firm with similar claims, the firm said.

Sherman, again writing in New York Magazine, reported that Fox News' star anchor Megyn Kelly joined the chorus, too.

This is a developing story and will be updated.