Gretchen Carlson out at Fox News, files suit against Roger Ailes

There’s news of a split coming out today over at Fox News, and it’s looking like this one has turned ugly already.

Earlier today, news broke about Gretchen Carlson’s decision to depart from the network. The former “Fox & Friends” host has hosted a highly-rated show in the afternoon, but her contract at the end of last month has not been renewed. Moreover, CNN reports now that Carlson has filed suit against the network’s chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, one where she claims he “injected sexual and/or sexist comments” into several conversations and supposedly told her last September “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.”

Ailes has yet to comment on the suit, but Carlson alleges that her refusal of these advances was a factor in her show not being picked up. In a statement (released before the news of the suit was public), she had the following to say about her decision to exit:

“I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career. Although this was a difficult step to take, I had to stand up for myself and speak out for all women and the next generation of women in the workplace. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments at Fox News and for keeping our loyal viewers engaged and informed on events and news topics of the day.”

This is clearly not the sort of news that any cable-news networks wants at this particular time of the year, especially when there is an election happening. It takes away from the stories that are being reported, and makes the organization itself into the story.

We’ll have some further news on this subject as time passes; stay tuned, and head over here to get some other news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Fox News.)