FLASHBACK: Gretchen Carlson Spoke With ET About Workplace Sexual Harassment in 2015

Summary

Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News anchor, has made serious allegations against Roger Ailes, claiming he sexually harassed her during her tenure at the network. In her statements, Carlson recounts inappropriate advances and a culture of silence surrounding such misconduct. She also shares her personal experiences with harassment and stalking, emphasizing the need for change in workplace safety for women in media. Through her memoir, 'Getting Real,' Carlson aims to empower others to speak out against harassment, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the treatment of women in the workplace.

Takeaways

• ⚡ Gretchen Carlson alleges that she faced sexual harassment from Roger Ailes, former CEO of Fox News.
• ⚡ Carlson claims she was fired for rejecting Ailes' sexual advances.
• ⚡ She encourages women to feel secure in coming forward about sexual harassment in the workplace.
• ⚡ The allegations include Ailes making sexual and sexist comments and suggesting a sexual relationship with Carlson.
• ⚡ Carlson's contract was not renewed due to alleged retaliation after her complaints.
• ⚡ In her memoir, Carlson recounts traumatic experiences in her early career, including a disturbing incident with a PR executive.
• ⚡ She highlights the dangers faced by young female reporters, including being stalked.
• ⚡ Carlson's experiences reflect ongoing issues of sexual harassment in media and other industries.
• ⚡ She emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual harassment and creating safer workplaces.
• ⚡ Carlson's story serves as a cautionary tale for those entering the media field.

Q & A

What allegations did Gretchen Carlson make against Roger Ailes?

Gretchen Carlson accused Roger Ailes, the CEO of Fox News, of sexual harassment, claiming he made inappropriate sexual and sexist comments and advances towards her.

How did Carlson describe the impact of coming forward about sexual harassment?

Carlson highlighted that women often face backlash and are labeled as troublemakers when they report sexual harassment, emphasizing the need for women to feel secure enough to come forward.

What specific incident did Carlson recount from her early career?

Carlson recalled an incident where a top PR executive forcibly shoved her head into his crotch while she was in the passenger seat, which left her feeling suffocated and alarmed about the industry.

What does Carlson's memoir, 'Getting Real', address?

In her memoir, Carlson shares her experiences and challenges in breaking into television, including instances of sexual harassment and the dangers she faced as a young reporter.

How did Carlson's contract with Fox News end?

Carlson alleged that her contract was not renewed due to retaliation after she reported Ailes' harassment.

What personal experience did Carlson share regarding a stalker?

Carlson disclosed that she had a stalker for four years who terrorized her across different cities, creating a constant fear for her safety and that of her family.

What is the significance of Carlson's statement about the workplace environment?

Carlson expressed hope that there has been progress in addressing sexual harassment in the workplace since her early career, indicating ongoing challenges in this area.

What was Carlson's position before the allegations against Ailes?

Before her allegations against Ailes, Carlson was a well-known television anchor and had a significant presence as a former Miss America.

Did Ailes or Fox News respond to Carlson's allegations?

As of the time of the interview, neither Roger Ailes nor Fox News had responded to Carlson's allegations.

What broader issue does Carlson's experience highlight?

Carlson's experiences underscore the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and the challenges faced by women who speak out against powerful figures.