Greta Van Susteren, in tweets following the news, did not disclose the reason for her departure from Fox News.
But Fox’s Howard Kurtz tweeted that she was leaving because of a “key man” clause in her contract, which gave her the option to leave if Roger Ailes did. Here’s more:
According to a source familiar with the process, Van Susteren asked to renegotiate her contract after Roger Ailes resigned under pressure as Fox News chairman following a sexual harassment lawsuit.
When those negotiations deadlocked, Van Susteren chose to invoke the departure option, the sources said. Her last show was Thursday, and the swiftness of events did not allow her to deliver an on-air farewell.
10:09 a.m.
In a separate statement, Fox News announced that Greta Van Susteren, the longtime host of On the Record, will leave the network after 14 years. The statement did not say whether Van Susteren’s departure was related to the scandal involving Ailes or the settlement with Carlson. Her departure is immediate, the statement said. Brit Hume, the longtime Fox News analyst, will take over hosting duties.
“I am happy to take on this assignment for the balance of this extraordinary election,” Hume said in the statement, which did not include a reaction from Van Susteren. “My Fox News colleagues have set a high standard for political coverage which I'll do my best to uphold. I'm honored to be asked.”
Van Susteren vigorously and publicly defended Ailes during the scandal that erupted after the nature of Carlson’s allegations became public. She was tweeting on Tuesday morning before news of her departure was made public. Her tweets did not disclose the impending move. As recently as last month, the Daily Beast quoted Van Susteren as saying about her relationship with Fox News: “I have a very long-term deal.” She added that, in the words of the Beast, “that if she ever loses her show on Fox she’ll be happy to return to teaching at Georgetown or re-enter law practice.”
9:51 a.m.
Gretchen Carlson, in a statement, said she was “gratified” at Fox’s “decisive action.” She added:
I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace. I want to thank all the brave women who came forward to tell their own stories and the many people across the country who embraced and supported me in their #StandWithGretchen. All women deserve a dignified and respectful workplace.
21st Century Fox, which owns Fox News, confirmed the settlement, but not the details being reported in the media.
During her tenure at Fox News, Gretchen exhibited the highest standards of journalism and professionalism. She developed a loyal audience and was a daily source of information for many Americans. We are proud that she was part of the Fox News team. We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve. We know Gretchen will be successful in whatever endeavors she chooses in the future.
9:43 a.m.