Who Will Replace Bill O'Reilly on Fox News?
One of the most popular television hosts in the country, Bill O'Reilly, was fired by Fox News over sexual harassment allegations. A reshuffle of the network's programs' time slots follows, with "Tucker Carlson Tonight" taking over "The O'Reilly Factor's" primetime slot.
Early this month, a complaint by radio-TV personality Wendy Walsh surfaced about O'Reilly's alleged inappropriate behavior, in which the former claimed the latter made sexual advances toward her when she was applying for a job at the network back in 2013.
The complaint was backed by a New York Times report on an investigation conducted against the television host. The publication found out that five women were paid a total of $13 million by either O'Reilly or the network in exchange for not filing a lawsuit against the commentator. The publication noted that these victims either worked for him or were featured on one of his shows.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The women accused O'Reilly of abusing them verbally, making vulgar comments and making offensive sexual advances toward them.
The New York Times report quickly reached 21st Century Fox, Fox News' parent company, which assured the public it will conduct its own investigation on the issue, as detailed by CNN.
Now, after weeks of being condemned by the public, and amid the pulling out of advertisements from O'Reilly's program, the company finally decided to terminate its prominent announcer.
21st Century Fox issued a statement, signed by executive chairman Rupert Murdoch, and his sons CEO James Murdoch and co-executive chairman Lachlan Murdoch. "After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the Company and Bill O'Reilly have agreed that Bill O'Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel," the statement reads.
O'Reilly denies the allegations. According to Los Angeles Times, the now former Fox News announcer released a statement repudiating the claims. He reportedly said it was "tremendously disheartening" that his relationship with the network ended because of "completely unfounded claims."
Starting April 24, Carlson's show will move from 9 p.m. to O'Reilly's previous 8 p.m. slot. "The Five" will also have a new timeslot at 9 p.m. EDT, from its original 5 p.m. slot. The show will have a new host, Jesse Watters, as former host Eric Bolling will stay at the 5 p.m. slot with a new program.
