While the music world reacted to the tragic death of Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, the news media world was sent reeling with reports indicating Fox News founder and former CEO Roger Ailes had died at the age of 77. Sure enough, Ailes’ wife Elizabeth confirmed the news in a statement.
“I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning. Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many,” she said. “He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise — and to give back. During a career that stretched over more than five decades, his work in entertainment, in politics, and in news affected the lives of many millions. And so even as we mourn his death, we celebrate his life.”
Meanwhile, New York magazine’s Gabriel Sherman — a constant thorn in the ousted media executive’s side — reported Ailes died following “complications” from a blood clot. Whatever the case may be, the cable news giant’s many colleagues at Fox News and allies elsewhere took to Twitter to mourn the ex-CEO. The Fox & Friends team’s announcement mid-program even brought some of the co-hosts to tears.
RIP #RogerAiles sending my love and prayers to Beth & Zachary. Roger was a friend and a mentor to so many of us @FoxNews he will be missed
— Kimberly Guilfoyle (@kimguilfoyle) May 18, 2017
Roger Ailes died this morning, our deepest sympathies to Beth and his son Zach. Roger was a media genius, good friend and great American.
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) May 18, 2017
Terribly sad news. R.I.P. https://t.co/K90HHnc1fx
— Brit Hume (@brithume) May 18, 2017
Deeply saddened by death of Roger Ailes. He had many critics and like ALL of us his sins, but I remember a great patriot, friend and boss.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 18, 2017
Roger Ailes founded one of the most important and successful media outlets in American history. I will miss his friendship dearly. RIP.
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) May 18, 2017
OMG #RogerAiles is gone, devastating news, & Erica & I send our condolences to Beth, their son Zack & the entire family. He was a great man
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) May 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/seanhannity/status/865189688772112384
Love and prayers to Beth and Zach. R.I.P Roger – you changed television as we know it. https://t.co/1vjhGFQaDc
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) May 18, 2017
I've known Roger Ailes for over 30 years. We've fought, debated and exchanged war stories. He had real passion and a master strategist for
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 18, 2017
what he believed. We didn't agree on much and I protested him many times. However his impact on US Culture is undeniable. He is a study !
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 18, 2017
RIP Roger Ailes a good friend, great American and communications genius @StoneColdTruth
— Roger Stone (@RogerJStoneJr) May 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/DRUDGE/status/865202268810788872
However, considering that Ailes had been forced to resign following story after story regarding the many sexual harassment allegations levied against him, not all of the responses were kind. In fact, many were critical.
So Roger Ailes has died. Lots to unpack in that obit.
— Nope. (@JoyAnnReid) May 18, 2017
For better or worse & the ignominious end 2 his reign at Fox News, the impact of Roger Ailes on American politics & media was indisputable.
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) May 18, 2017
Roger Ailes had one play he used from Nixon to Fox News: he called it “positive polarization.” It was effective but intentionally divisive.
— John Avlon (@JohnAvlon) May 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/andylassner/status/865206298173784065
Sean Hannity spinning Roger Ailes death into a win is actually Peak Fox https://t.co/b67JZeloyO
— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) May 18, 2017
Ailes would still be in charge of Fox had @GretchenCarlson not taped him harassing her and filed a lawsuit instead of settling privately. https://t.co/b5NXXy2gKj
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) May 18, 2017
Roger Ailes has died. Wow. Sending deep and heartfelt condolences to everyone who was abused, harassed, exploited, and unjustly fired by him
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) May 18, 2017
Yes, Roger Ailes was a TV genius. He also had an apparently monstrous personal life and nasty, dangerous editorial instincts.
— Sam Stein (@samstein) May 18, 2017