Fox News employees have begun to pick sides in the Gretchen Carlson and Roger Ailes feud. Most of the network’s talking heads and pundits have remained silent since Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Ailes on Wednesday, but Greta Van Susteren is one who has come to the defense of her embattled boss.
Van Susteren told The Daily Beast Thursday she believes Carlson and the public is unfairly maligning Ailes. Never one to back down from an argument, Van Susteren went on to say that she is constantly sticking up for those that have been “falsely accused” and Ailes is no different:
“Historically, I don’t like it when I think somebody is being falsely accused or wronged. I’m an old criminal defense attorney. This one’s wrong, based on my experience. The facts I know are that this is not the Roger Ailes I’ve ever heard about or seen.”
Van Susteren – who celebrates her 15th anniversary at Fox News next January – said she was not pressured to speak up by Ailes or the network, but made this statement on her own, even while she was on vacation. She insinuated that Carlson’s lawsuit against Ailes might stem from her frustration about her contract.
“I have a very long-term deal. I have no reason to curry favor with Roger Ailes. I can assure you that there’s nothing Roger can do for me or against me. My contract is with the corporation. I’m not trying to get a new one.”
Carlson’s suit against Ailes alleges the network chairman and CEO made “sexual demands,” which she refused and which led to her firing. Ailes shot back saying this was simply a “retaliatory suit” for not renewing her contract and he has done nothing wrong.
Both Carlson’s and Ailes’ allegations are pretty serious, and it has yet to be seen how the suit will play out. Van Susteren is the first Fox News host to come out in defense of her boss and back his allegations. It remains to be seen whether any other members of the network will come to their boss’ aid. It’s possible this could turn the tide in favor of Ailes, but it’s too soon to judge who will win in a court of law.
(Via The Daily Beast)