UPDATED: Laura Luhn, a former Fox News executive, has filed a new lawsuit against the network and its then-parent company over allegations that former network executive Roger Ailes mistreated and tried to extort them.
The lawsuit also names Bill Shine, former co-president of Fox News.
In the New York Supreme Court filing, Luhn alleged that Ailes, who died in 2017, used his position to trap her in a “decade-long cycle of sexual abuse.”
“To ensure their obedience and public silence, Ailes photographed and filmed Luhn in compromising positions – blackmail material he specifically described as his ‘insurance policy’ – and made it clear to Luhn that any attempt to speak out or stop the abuse would be serious. personal consequences would be humiliation and career ruin,” the lawsuit states. The lawsuit alleges that Fox management at the network and its parent company knew about Aile’s actions “but took no action.”
Luhn filed her lawsuit under the state’s Adult Survivors Act, which was signed into law last year and gave sexual abuse plaintiffs one year to file new claims regardless of the statute of limitations.
Luhn left Fox News in 2011. She claims that years of abuse led her to a nervous breakdown and that Shine “took it upon himself” to control her “private life, manage her medical care and speak publicly about the sexual abuse.” mention. “to be sure.” .” This meant she signed a release of her claims.
“Fearful that Ailes would release compromising photos and videos of Fox News, and aware of the aggressive personal attacks on other Fox News accusers, Luhn capitulated and received a settlement equal to only paying her salary until retirement age .” Shine left Fox News in May 2017 and eventually worked as deputy chief of staff for communications for the Trump administration. A lawyer for Shine did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The lawsuit names 21st Century Fox, Fox News’ former parent company, as a defendant.
Fox News Media said in a statement: “This case was settled years ago, has been dismissed in subsequent hearings and is worthless.”
Luhn began working for Fox News in 1996 as a guest relations officer. In 2006 she was promoted to Director of Bookings and the following year became Senior Director of Corporate and Special Events.
Author: Ted Johnson
Source: Deadline
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
