Fox News is in a fresh pot of legal hot water that has just started to boil
Think Progress gets a hot scoop from Lisa Bloom:
The New York State Division of Human Rights (SDHR) is investigating Fox News for claims of sexual harassment and retaliation, according to Attorney Lisa Bloom.
Bloom told ThinkProgress over the phone that a human rights specialist at the agency confirmed the investigation to her on Friday.
BREAKING: I've just learned NY SDHR is investigating our complaint of harassment and discrimination at Fox News. https://t.co/1hQy7QcR9W
— Lisa Bloom (@LisaBloom) June 19, 2017
According to Bloom, the agency has spoken to one of her clients, Dr. Wendy Walsh, twice, and another of her clients, Caroline Heldman, once in the course of the investigation. The agency also wants to interview a third woman.
Variety adds:
Bloom represents Wendy Walsh, who has alleged that she was harassed by Bill O’Reilly. In her complaint, Bloom urged the division to subpoena confidential settlement agreements and interview witnesses to determine whether Fox engaged in an overall pattern of harassment. Bloom argued that Fox’s internal investigation and a separate SEC probe into whether payoffs were concealed from investors are insufficient to bring to light the full scope of the discrimination.
“Equality of opportunity is a civil right,” Bloom wrote. “For the women of Fox News, year after year, this right has been abrogated. The world knows about it, but press reports are not enough. Women’s careers must be protected.”
Fox News and the Division of Human Rights did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
