Former Fox News employee Laura Luhn has recently advanced her lawsuit against the network over her allegations of sexual abuse by late CEO Roger Ailes. The state supreme court judge, Justice Lyle Frank, has found that a previous settlement Luhn signed with Fox News releasing them from claims of discrimination and negligence may not be enforceable due to potential duress. Luhn’s claims, filed in January, detail two decades of sexual abuse by Ailes. She filed the lawsuit after the passage of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on certain allegations of sexual misconduct. Ailes resigned as Fox News chief in 2016 following multiple women, including anchors Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly, coming forward with claims of sexual harassment. Former co-president Bill Shine also left the company amid accusations of covering up the misconduct.
Luhn states that she suffered a mental breakdown in 2007 due to the abuse and, at the direction of her psychiatrist, sent a letter to Fox describing Ailes’ actions. In 2011, they reached a settlement for $3.15 million to be paid in annual installments of $250,000. Fox News argues that this settlement should bar Luhn’s lawsuit, claiming that she is seeking additional payment through litigation. However, Justice Frank agrees with Luhn that there is some question as to whether she was pressured into signing the agreement. He rules that the allegations of duress and her inability to report the abuse while it was happening are enough to prevent the dismissal of the case.
Laura Luhn began working for Fox News in 1996 when she was hired by Roger Ailes for the guest relations department. By 2007, she had risen to the position of senior director of corporate and special events. Luhn alleges that Ailes consistently forced her to perform oral sex and coerced her into other sexual acts. She claims that Ailes used compromising photos and videos of her as “blackmail material” to ensure her compliance and silence. He explicitly referred to this material as his “insurance policy” and warned Luhn that speaking out or trying to stop the abuse would result in personal humiliation and career ruin. These encounters with Ailes were disguised as “booking meetings.”
Fox Corp. recently announced that Viet Dinh will be stepping down from his role as the company’s chief legal and policy officer and transitioning to a special advisor position.
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Laura Luhn’s lawsuit against Fox News highlights the pervasive issue of sexual abuse and harassment within the media industry. The case also raises questions about the validity of settlements signed under duress and the potential for powerful individuals to use their positions to silence victims. The fact that Luhn’s allegations cover a span of two decades further underscores the importance of addressing and preventing such misconduct in the workplace.
This lawsuit comes in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which has shed light on the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault across industries. It has empowered victims to speak out against their abusers and seek justice. The Adult Survivors Act in New York, which temporarily removes the statute of limitations for certain cases, provides a necessary avenue for survivors to address past abuse. However, it is crucial for companies to take proactive steps in creating safe and respectful work environments to prevent such misconduct from occurring in the first place. This includes implementing comprehensive policies, conducting regular training, and fostering a culture of accountability.
The outcome of Laura Luhn’s lawsuit against Fox News will have significant implications for future cases involving allegations of sexual abuse and harassment in the media industry. It will also serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors and holding accountable those who perpetrate such acts. Ultimately, it is crucial for companies and society as a whole to prioritize the well-being and safety of all individuals, regardless of their position or status.
