NYT: Investigators Probing If Fox News Execs Enabled Ailes’ Alleged Harassment

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The independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by former Fox News boss Roger Ailes is reportedly also focused on whether network executives knew of the alleged abuse and failed to intervene, according to a Wednesday report from the New York Times.

The ongoing investigation by the New York law firm Paul, Weiss, which CNN reported late last month was “winding down,” has not broadened into a review of the culture of Fox News, anonymous sources briefed on the probe told the Times. But investigators were reportedly pursuing information provided in interviews that others at the network enabled Ailes’ alleged misconduct.

Nearly 20 women reported harassment by Ailes as of last week, and more current and former Fox News staffers were scheduled to be interviewed by investigators, the Times reported.

The inquiry was opened July 6, after fired Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit against Ailes alleging that Ailes engaged in years of harassment and retaliation before refusing to renew her contract.

Most recently, former Fox News booker Laurie Luhn detailed to New York Magazine the deterioration of her mental health following years of alleged “psychological torture” stemming from her relationship with Ailes.

Ailes resigned as CEO of Fox News, the network he founded, amid mounting allegations on July 21. He has strenuously denied Carlson’s charges of sexual harassment through his lawyers.

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