New reports are pulling back the curtain on top Fox News executive John Finley's recent ouster from the network.
Mediaite reported that Finley was fired from the network last week after a woman, whose identity is not currently being disclosed, alleged he sexually harassed and stalked her.
Sources said the woman was not an employee of Fox but worked on projects with Fox Nation, the streaming service that was previously overseen by Finley, before bringing her claims formally to Fox. The network reportedly reached an undisclosed settlement with the woman.ย
A source familiar with the woman's claims alleged that Finley โstalked her relentlessly and would not stop texting her.โ The woman โkept rebuffing him,โ the source said, but he pursued โa relentless pattern of sexual harassment and quid pro quo.ย I can get you this job if youย โ incredible opportunities. If she went into New York and didn't see him? Temper tantrums.โ
Another source with knowledge of the findings of the investigation said he was not fired for sexual harassment, but for violating Fox's standards of business conduct. Among the standards that were breached included conflict of interest, improper use of his position to benefit someone over whom he had influence and business ethics, the source said.
โFox News Media and John Finley have parted ways after an independent investigation concluded that he had violated certain standards of business conduct,โ Fox News said in a statement.
Multiple sources who worked with Finley claimed the veteran executive pursued romantic relationships with subordinates throughout his time at the network. These relationships included one with a Fox staffer who he married and then divorced.
Other colleagues close to Finley told Mediaite that the Fox News executive had a tell-tale sign as to who he was romantically pursuing, he often bought women the same jewelry from Tiffany's.
โIt was our big code like, Oh, she must be getting those same pearl earrings from John,โ the source said. โShe got promoted with no experience. She's blonde. Looks like she came out of a sorority.โ
Finley has worked for Fox News since its start in a range of high-profile positions. In 2019, he was tapped by Fox News CEOย Suzanne Scottย to launchย Fox Nation.
Mediaite reported that Finely likely lasted for so long in part thanks to the relaxed attitude towards misconduct pervasive during theย Roger Ailesย era of Fox.
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3 Comments
Why cant CBS NBC ABC PBS have these scandals?
They do, They just cover for each other better.
Matt Lauer anyone??