All Rights Reserved. McCoy did not immediately respond to PEOPLE Magazine's request to comment. Sign up for notifications from Insider! "However, nothing could be further from the truth," the suit says. 12/21/2021 09:42 AM EST. A bombshell lawsuit filed by two women Monday accused former Fox News chief national correspondent Ed Henry of raping one of them and says that the network's star anchor Sean Hannity once offered $100 to staffers to "date" another woman who also accuses Henry of sexual harassment. Under Phase 1C Tier 1 in D.C., people that have obesity with a BMI over 30 kg/m are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine along with those who are immunocompromised, pregnant and have preexisting health conditions, among other conditions. 'The fact that you see essential workers as some universally thin horde also says something about how much time you've spent actually perceiving essential workers. Marc Lamont Hill. In a federal lawsuit Eckhart has alleged that Henry raped her in 2017, and harassed two other women. Bush. I know that is not your intention. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Philadelphia Eagles WR Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Maryland 529 whistleblower says he warned agency about negative impacts to parents' accounts, Man robs Arlington gun store; attempts to escape on Metrobus, DC research foundation to review Fairfax Co. Police Department's officer-involved shootings, Homeless man stabbed to death inside Petworth Library: police, U.S. Jeannette was born and raised in Providence, R.I., but her family is originally from the Dominican Republic. ", The filings said that Areu was a "relatively regular face on The Sean Hannity Show until March 8, 2018.". 'Take her on a date to Del Friscos,' " the suit claims. Although Allison has only just left FOX 5 DC, her most dedicated fans cant wait to see whats next for her career and personal life. Pharmacists say combining leftover COVID-19 vaccine from two Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, 52, becomes first Cabinet Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' I agree with TheWrap's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and provide my consent to receive marketing communications from them. When most stayed home, we went into work everyday last March, April, May and everyday since putting ourselves & loved ones at risk. ', The Fox 5 station in Washington, DC, has suspended news anchor Blake McCoy (pictured) who tweeted his annoyance that obese Americans have been getting the vaccine early before being slammed for his comments and a backhanded apology on Twitter, 'I'm annoyed obese people of all ages get priority vaccine access before all essential workers,' he tweeted (above), He later deleted the tweet and issued an apology (pictured), saying: 'Earlier today I Tweeted something insensitive and offensive. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. "Mr. Carlson promptly retaliated against Ms. Areu, who was featured on his show only three times in 2019 and has not appeared once in 2020," the court filing says. On her own social media accounts, Allison has kept everything strictly professional, retweeting well-wishers messages, but otherwise keeping a pretty low profile. ", Henry's lawyer Catherine Foti, in an emailed statement, said,"The Me Too movement has helped to bring to light a number of injustices in our society, and everyone that has suffered deserves to be heard. Another user shared: 'My sister suffers from a number of mental health issues which in turn has caused her to deal with obesity her entire life. The other plaintiff, Areu's fellow former Fox News employee Jennifer Eckhart, claims that Henry raped her, in addition to committing other sexual misconduct against her. A New York Times investigation found that OReilly and Fox News had paid $13 million in total to five women who had worked or appeared on OReilly Factor over the years andmade claims of sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior. Vaccinate all essential workers. I deleted because, frankly, who has the time to argue with strangers on the internet.. And in a business where not a lot of people get to say goodbye like this, I am grateful to the leadership here at FOX 5 for giving me this moment., What a day! Article continues below advertisement The high-profile attorney Douglas Wigdor, who has represented several women who have filed lawsuits against Fox News, said in a statement Wednesday morning that he is representing Henry's. Former Fox News guest Debbie Schlussel claimed that primetime host Sean Hannity had once invited her back to his hotel after an event they attended, and that she was never invited back to Hannitys show after she rebuffed his advances. 'Everyone is waiting their turn and I waited for mine as a healthcare worker. Jan. 10, 2017: Bill OReilly settlement comes to light. Former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, who was fired in 2020 over sexual misconduct claims, filed a lawsuit against the network and one of its top executives accusing them of defaming him. A bombshell lawsuit accuses former Fox News chief national correspondent Ed Henry of raping one woman, and says that the network's star anchor Sean Hannity once offered $100 to staffers to "date" a second woman who also accuses Henry of sexual harassment. Fox News, in a separate statement addressing the allegations that the network knew about prior sexual misconduct by Henry, said, "There were not sexual harassment claims against Ed Henry at FOX News prior to Jennifer Eckhart's claim on June 25, 2020.". It didnt take Allison long to establish herself as a power player at WTTG. A spokesperson for the station, WTTG, said McCoy has been 'suspended pending further review'. How Florida clinics treat transgender youth before ban, Tags:Blake McCoy, Erica Keane, FOX 5 News, Twitter, WTTG. The network only fired Henry this month because "Fox News realized that it was on the precipice of a public relations nightmare and wanted to get out ahead of this suit and be able to claim that it had done the right thing. Jeannette Reyes is an anchor for FOX 5 Morning and Good Day D.C. Fox host Ed Henry attends Fox & Friends' All-American Summer Concert Series at FOX Studios on June 23, 2017 in New York. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I have deleted my tweet and ask that you accept my sincere apology.". The sudden exit of Horowitz after two years programming the companys FS1 and FS2 cable sports channels signals a relatively new zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment allegations under CEO James Murdoch and executive co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch who took over day-to-day oversight of the company from their father, founding CEO Rupert Murdoch, two years ago. Most recently, Reyes worked at the ABC owned station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. McCoy is the Fox 5 co-anchor for four of their weekday shows. Yikes, man. After first meeting Richard Nixon on the set of "The Mike Douglas Show," Ailes was hired by the then-presidential candidate to be his media advisor during the campaign, which marked his first professional foray into politics. He added, "Vaccinate all essential workers. Also Read: Fox Business Host Charles Payne Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations: 'That Is an Ugly Lie', April 24, 2017: Andrea Tarantos files her own lawsuit, Andrea Tantaros, a former host of the Fox show The Five, filed a new lawsuit against Ailes, Shine and other network executives, claiming that an extensive online harassment campaign had been waged against her. She is also a healthcare worker and is continuing her career in caring for people. In addition, LGBTQ Nationreported that McCoy was working from home during the early days of the pandemic. She also alleged that Fox News co-president Bill Shine retaliated against her for making the claims. On her final day of broadcasting at FOX 5 DC, Allison appeared to fight back tears as she made her announcement. AP Photos. She was later inducted into the Scripps Howard School of Journalism Hall of Fame from her alma mater. ", "Following the show, Mr. Carlson, hardly making any effort to hide his intentions, began telling Ms. Areu that he would be alone in New York City that night, and specifically said that he would be staying alone in his hotel room without any wife or kids," the suit said. D.C.'s FOX 5 News anchor Blake McCoy, who's gay, has been suspended from his job following a flurry of complaints over a comment he posted on Twitter Feb. 23 saying he is "annoyed" that obese. Got a confidential news tip? Blake McCoy (@BlakeMcCoyDC) February 23, 2021. FTVLive was the FIRST to tell you that longtime WTTG Anchor Shawn Yancy was leaving the Fox O&O. Yancy signed off from the station after almost 20 years. For nearly 21 years, broadcast journalist Allison Seymour has been a staple at FOX 5 DC. Eckhart is suing Fox and Henry for violations of federal sex-trafficking laws, New York state and city human rights laws, and for gender-motivated violence under New York City's administrative code. as well as other partner offers and accept our. He continued, "I truly regret my words and want to apologise. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Im annoyed obese people of all ages get priority vaccine access before all essential workers, McCoy stated in his tweet. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch hired Ailes to serve as founding CEO and Chariman of the Fox News Channel in 1996, which soon grew to become the most popular cable news network in the country. In the last year, Fox has been rocked by damaging reports of misconduct by executives and on-air talent toward female workers, which have led to the removal of Fox News chairman Roger Ailes last summer, the firing of Fox News host Bill OReilly this spring and more than $40 million in payments to former employees to settle harassment claims. Most recently, Reyes worked at the ABC owned station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The network said it had received a . Internet trolls and keyboard warriors have long been a problem on social media. Have you got a hot news tip that you'd like to share with us? Then obese. March 24, 2017: Fox News comptroller Judy Slater sacked. Later, "Mr. Kurtz stated to Ms. Areu, in sum and substance, 'you're the only woman here who won't come to my hotel room,'" the suit says. To make matters worse, McCoy responded to a user who tweeted: 'I am a huge fan of yours, Blake, but Tweets like this only serve to divide people. Youre right, McCoy posted in response. Bill O'Reilly was ousted from his long-running, top-rated primetime show on Fox News in April 2017 after being accused of sexual harassment. DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? "On that day, Mr. Hannity, on set and in front of the entire studio crew and completely unsolicited threw $100 on the set desk. Published: 18:32 EST, 24 February 2021 | Updated: 04:40 EST, 25 February 2021. She followed longtime morning Anchor Allison Seymour, who left the station after more than 20 years there. (Reuters) - Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson sued Fox News Channel Chief Executive Roger Ailes on Wednesday for sexual harassment, alleging her ex-boss wrongfully fired her . ", The women's lawsuit says that in late June, Eckhart's lawyer put Fox News on notice of legal claims against the network and Henry, and informed Fox "in graphic and specific detail, how Mr. Henry groomed, psychologically manipulated and coerced Ms. Eckhart into having a sexual relationship with him. But Henry was not fired or even disciplined after those earlier accusations, the suit says. She celebrated her return to work. "Earlier today I tweeted something insensitive and offensive," the Fox 5 anchor wrote. July 9, 2016: Six other women claimAiles harassed them. SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER, FIRST TAKE, In the last year, Fox has been rocked by damaging reports of misconduct by executives and on-air talent toward female workers, which have led to the removal of Fox News chairman Roger Ailes last summer, the firing of Fox News host, The sudden exit of Horowitz after two years programming the companys FS1 and FS2 cable sports channels signals a relatively new zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment allegations under CEO James Murdoch and executive co-chairman, Former Republican National Committee field adviser Kellie Boyle and model Marsha Callahan were among the, Amid an external law firms investigation into the multiple claims against Ailes, then primetime host Megyn Kellytold investigators that she, 11 Women Who Have Left Fox News Shows, From Megyn Kelly to Laurie Dhue (Photos), 13 Women Who've Accused Former Fox News Boss Roger Ailes of Sexual Harassment (Photos), 13 Most-Watched Fox News Shows Since Tucker Carlson Replaced Bill O'Reilly (Photos), Fox Business Host Charles Payne Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations: 'That Is an Ugly Lie'. He accused the network of double standards in how it handles sexual misconduct allegations. "Without question, Mr. Carlson was probing to see whether Ms. Areu was interested in a sexual relationship. "We are fully prepared to vigorously defend against these baseless allegations as Mr. Henry further embarrasses himself in a lawsuit rife with inaccuracies after driving his personal life into the ground with countless extramarital affairs in a desperate attempt for relevance and redemption," they added. She made the move to FOX 5 DC in 1999, initially being hired as a general assignment reporter for the evening news. Jeannette Reyes is an anchor for FOX 5 Morning and Good Day D.C. Former Republican National Committee field adviser Kellie Boyle and model Marsha Callahan were among the sixwomen who accusedAiles of previous harassment. STAY CONNECTED AND STAY AHEAD WITH FOX 5 DC. Ailes was named president of CNBC in 1993, where he launched the new cable network America's Talking, which was shut down and replaced with future Fox News competitor MSNBC. She also alleged that Fox News co-president . The network added that Areu and Eckhart can pursue their legal claims "against Ed Henry directly with him, as FOX News already took swift action as soon as it learned of Ms. Eckhart's claims on June 25 and Mr. Henry is no longer employed by the network. Shortly after graduating from Virginias Hampton University, she entered the Masters of Mass Communication Program at the University of South Carolina at Columbia. I truly regret my words and want to apologize. All Rights Reserved. 'Fox & Friends First' News Anchor Heather Childers Was Fired For "Looking Sick". Keep connected to DC, Maryland and Virginia news and weather by downloading FOX 5's mobile apps, and make sure to allow notifications to receive alerts: https://www.fox5dc.com/apps I am a huge fan of yours, Blake, but Tweets like this only serve to divide people. Former FOX 5 reporter Beth Parker, who came into your homes for almost two decades while covering stories across the D.C. region, has died. July 6, 2016: Gretchen Carlson files lawsuit against Roger Ailes. McCoy deleted the original tweet and posted an apology about three hours later after his comment came under fire, with some calling on McCoy to resign or be fired. Watch breaking news live or see the latest videos from programs like Good . In 1968, Ailes got an Emmy nod when "The Mike Douglas Show" was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Daytime Programming, ultimately losing to NBC's "Today" show. This is not an easy announcement to make, but after 21 years (almost!) Please know that this decision was not an easy one to make, but it was mine and my familys decision entirely. ", Eckhart's lawyers said that when Fox News terminated Henry, the network "purported to take credit for acting appropriately.". "So glad to be back at work Fox 5 News on my shows 5 and 10 p.m. news again. "Ed Henry looks forward to presenting actual facts and evidence, which will contradict the fictional accounts contained in the complaint. ", After a December 2018 appearance by Areu on Carlson's show, according to the suit, the host told her he was going to the network's annual Christmas party, but would only be staying for "a quick appearance. Although Allisons last-day announcement was certainly abrupt, she hasnt given any public indication that the change wasnt her idea. Henry was fired from his job as co-presenter of "America's Newsroom" last year. 2 talking about this. Following Roginsky and Tarantos lawsuits, Fox News announced that Shine was exiting the network. Yikes, man. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. from FRI 11:00 PM EST until SAT 8:00 AM EST, Anne Arundel County We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. "Ms. Areu was completely mortified and made clear that she was incredibly uncomfortable with Mr. Hannity's misogynistic behavior by quietly pleading with one of her friends in the room to accept the money so that the humiliation would end. April 19, 2017: Fox News cuts ties with OReilly. But she said the station would have no further comment at this time. 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The WTTG website says McCoy has served as co-anchor on FOX 5 News weekday news shows at 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. McCoy could not immediately be reached for comment. Regardless of the true reasons for Allison leaving FOX 5, shell certainly be missed by many of her dedicated fans. A professor inside the Morehouse college, he joined Fox News in 2007 and he seemed frequently on the O'Reilly Show in which he mentioned with O'Reilly on socio-political troubles. News surfaced that the OReilly Factor host had previously settled with Juliet Huddy, a Fox News employee who claimed he tried to derail her career after she rebuffed his rommantic advances. Some of the posters said they called Fox 5 News to complain about McCoys post. SHOOTING NEAR AUDI FIELD: DC Police confirm around 9pm, an adult male was shot, is now in critical condition, 1500 blk of 1st St SW. No lookout at this time. Vaccinate all essential workers. 5 Min Read. Jamie Horowitz was abruptly ousted from his position as president Fox Sports National Networksamid allegations of sexual harassment against Horowitz, an individual familiar with the matter toldthe New York Times. Distractify is a registered trademark. 6am-9am News Anchor at Fox5-DC 9am-11am Host Good Day DC Well Fox 5 and you, the viewer, youve helped me through all of it. There shouldn't be any hierarchy on compassion,' she added. 10. She has 11 nieces and nephews and enjoys spending time with them whenever she can. Article continues below advertisement. In a statement to Insider, a Fox News spokesperson said the network had "conducted a thorough independent investigation into Ed Henry.". There really isn't even an apology in his tweet.'. CNBC's Kevin Breuningercontributed to this report. FOX 5 DC, WTTG-TV and FOX 5 PLUS, WDCA-TV are owned-and-operated TV stations of the Fox Broadcasting Company. OReilly has denied Walshs claims. Allisons television career started with her working behind the scenes at ABC News. FOX 5 Washington DC 261K subscribers Subscribe 219 Share 21K views 1 year ago Former FOX 5 reporter Beth Parker, who came into your homes for almost two decades while covering stories. Several people responded on Twitter saying they did not think McCoys apology was sincere. FOX 5 DC. with the FOX 5 family, the time has come for me to say goodbye and, most importantly, a heartfelt thank you., For more than two decades, you have been with me through my marriage, through the birth of my children, my big fiftieth birthday celebration, and the passing of my parents. However, on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, Allison somewhat abruptly announced that she would be leaving the station that very same day. Watch Video. Also Read: 13 Women Who've Accused Former Fox News Boss Roger Ailes of Sexual Harassment (Photos), July 19, 2016: Megyn Kelly saysshe was sexually harassed by Ailes. Fox News has fired longtime comptroller Judy Slater after an internal investigation concluded she had engaged in a pattern of racist comments and behavior; several of the employees later filed lawsuits against the network over the incidents. WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - FOX 5 thanks Allison Seymour for her dedication over the last 21 years on her final day. Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. Despite Allison saying that the decision to leave the FOX 5 family was entirely her own, some of her many fans think there may be a more sinister reason for her departure. one man wrote. Also Read: 13 Most-Watched Fox News Shows Since Tucker Carlson Replaced Bill O'Reilly (Photos), April 3, 2017: Anotherlawsuit against Ailes andFox News. He resigned in July 2016 after former host Gretchen. She is fluent in Spanish and grew up watching the Spanish-language network, Univision. The Manhattan federal court lawsuit comes three weeks after Fox News fired Henry for what the network said was sexual misconduct. CBS News has fired "CBS This Morning" co-anchor Charlie Rose after the veteran journalist . WTTG weekend evening anchor Lauren DeMarco signed off last night after almost 17 years with the Fox-owned Washington, D.C. station. It says that Eckhart was handcuffed when she was raped. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 'And as a fellow DC gay man, he should be even more ashamed of himself for this. I have deleted my tweet and ask that you accept my sincere apology.. Earlier today I Tweeted something insensitive and offensive, McCoy posted. March 8, 2017: Fox News settles with Tamara N. Holder. Amid an external law firms investigation into the multiple claims against Ailes, then primetime host Megyn Kellytold investigators that she had been harassed by Ailes years ago. July 6, 2017: Fox Business suspends Charles Payne, Charles Payne, the host of Fox Business Making Money, was suspended by the network due to an investigation over a three-year relationship with a married political analyst who appeared as a guest on Fox Business and Fox News, the Los Angeles Times reported. During his time there, he served as station manager for the university's WOUB radio for two years. My name is Maureen Umeh and I'm an anchor and reporter for FOX 5 Morning. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2023 CNBC LLC. Ailes produced the famous "revolving door" ad for Bush, which painted Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis as soft on crime. I have deleted my tweet and ask that you accept my sincere apology. "The evidence in this case will demonstrate that Ms. Eckhart initiated and completely encouraged a consensual relationship," Foti said. Keep connected to DC, Maryland and Virginia news and weather by downloading FOX 5's mobile apps, and make sure to allow notifications to receive alerts: https://www.fox5dc.com/apps Americas Newsroom Anchor Ed Henry Fired After Sexual Misconduct Allegations. It came after the network found evidence of "willful sexual misconduct" involving a former colleague, Jennifer Eckhart, in an internal investigation. The high-profile attorney Douglas Wigdor, who has represented several women who have filed lawsuits against Fox News, said in a statement Wednesday morning that he is representing Henry's. I thought he was weird and creepy, she told LawNewz. And "when she would not comply voluntarily, he sexually assaulted her on office property, and raped her at a hotel where Fox News frequently lodged its visiting employees," the suit alleges. 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Hello, everyone! #TGIF #staysafe, A post shared by Allison (@allisonseymour66) on May 8, 2020 at 11:59am PDT.