"Mr. Henry was not terminated after Fox News learned of these complaints. More:Bill Cosby released from prison after sex assault conviction overturned by Pa. Supreme Court, More:James Franco agrees to pay $2.2M to settle sexual misconduct lawsuit filed by former students. The lawsuit asserts that "Fox News continues to protect and reward perpetrators of sexual harassment and refuses to take accountability for putting such persons in positions of power from which they can subject women to sexual misconduct, sexual assault and, in the case of Ms. Eckhart, rape.". The lawsuit asserts Fox executives knew that Henry had been accused of sexual misconduct long before June 25. When he sent the video and the text, Henry was aware Areu was looking for full-time work at Fox News, according to the lawsuit. 1/3. In acomplaintfiled Thursday in the U.S District Court in New York, Henry is seeking actual and punitive damages from NPR correspondentDavid Folkenflik and CNN correspondents Alisyn Camerota and Brian Stelterfor acting with"malice" by "intentionally or recklessly making false statements" about himwhile reporting on his Fox News departure. These defamation claims come a day after Henry filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey, against Fox News and its CEO. However, I simply could not stay silent given the tremendous harm that Mr. Henry and others at Fox News have caused for women affiliated with the company. Thelawsuit seeks punitive damages and statesthe network's CEO Scott "sandbagged" him with a July 1, 2020, statement saying a former employee had accused Henry of sexual misconduct a week earlier and he was being fired after the findings of an externalinvestigation. USA TODAY has also reached out to CNN for comment. 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. "Ms. Eckhart did not consent to any part of this violent, painful rape," the lawsuit says. Some of the names in leadership may have changed since (former CEOf) Roger Ailes regime, but Fox News institutional apathy towards sexual misconduct has not," the lawsuit asserts. That evidence includes graphic photos and other aggressively suggestive communications that Ms. Eckhart sent to Mr. Henry., In response, Michael J. Willemin, an attorney with Wigdor LLP, said in a statement: Although Ms. Foti notes that the #MeToo movement has helped to bring to light a number of injustices in our country, she proceeds to engage in just the type of injustice that the #MeToo movement has worked so hard to curb. The lawsuit claims that the vaccines only provide "limited immunity" and could be potentially harmful in the long run. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Fox News Ex-Fox News Star Ed Henry Accused of Rape in Brutal New Lawsuit SEX SLAVE In addition to Henrys alleged violent sexual misconduct, the The suit also alleges other Fox News personalities, including Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, Howard Kurtz and Gianno Caldwell, subjected Areu to inappropriate sexual harassment and retaliation. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York by the Wigdor LLC law firm, which has represented several Fox News staffers in the past in complaints that alleged sexual or racial discrimination at the company. regarding "willful sexual misconduct in the workplace years ago." "The association's registered nurses strongly encourage everyone to choose to get vaccinated to protect their families and themselves.". "With hospitalizations in the single digits at each of our hospitals, and the positivity rate now hovering at about 1 percent, we're optimistic that the worst is behind us," Riney said at the time. However, he returned to Fox News later that year, taking a position as chief national correspondent. ", "MNA nurses believe that these questions are best decided democratically by health care workers themselves and need to be subject to collective bargaining," said the association. The Wigdor Firm declined, informing the investigators that neither plaintiff would be allowed to be interviewed, unless the investigators promised that anything either plaintiff said could not be used in any future litigation or proceeding. Henrys lawyer, Catherine Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged a sexual relationship. Areu, who was a regular guest on The Sean Hannity Show and Tucker Carlson Tonight until 2018, also accused host Sean Hannity of conducting a mock dating auction with her as the prize. She said she was a guest on Carlsons show in December 2018 and that after it was over, he told her he was staying in a hotel room in New York that night without his wife and children. Ms. Areu and Jennifer Eckhart can pursue their claims against Ed Henry directly with him, as Fox News already took swift action as soon as it learned of Ms. Eckharts claims on June 25 and Mr. Henry is no longer employed by the network., 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. When Areu "sidestepped Mr. Carlson's advances and declined to spend the night at his hotel," the host "promptly retaliated against Ms. Areu, who was featured on his show only three times in 2019 and has not appeared once in 2020.". Earlier, in September 2015, the lawsuit says, Eckhart says Henry forced her to perform oral sex in a guest office on the 17th floor of the Fox News building. A female former producer at Fox News and another woman who appeared frequently as an on-air commentator on the network have filed a civil lawsuit Monday Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. The lawsuit also alleges that Henry sent Areu a series of wildly inappropriate sexual images and messages throughout the first half of 2020. Indeed, right after he sent the video, he wrote, I had no idea you were here [in Florida]. White House rips appointment of extreme MAGA members to House Oversight Comer focuses on Penn Biden Center in investigation of classified documents, Here are the 10 states with the least healthy populations. Fox News grappled with a series of embarrassing and often sordid lawsuits in the wake of the 2016 ouster of Ailes, its former chief executive who was alleged to have harassed several female staffers and other associates over the course of his career in TV. In 2016, Henry was demoted by the network from his job as White House correspondent and took a leave of absence following allegations of an extramarital affair with a Las Vegas hostess and stripper. The lawsuit alleges that Henry raped Eckhart at a Manhattan hotel in 2017 while she was restrained in metal handcuffs. Former Fox News anchor Ed Henry (from left) and high-profile hosts Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity are all named in a lawsuit alleging different instances of sexual misconduct. She believes Abrams or someone else saw her manuscript. Ed Henry, who was fired last Julyby Fox News Channelover a sexual misconduct allegation, filed multiple lawsuits this weekfor defamation,including one against NPR and CNNcorrespondents and anotheragainst Fox News and its CEO Suzanne Scott. That evidence includes graphic photos and other aggressively suggestive communications that Ms. Eckhart sent to Mr. Henry.. Fox News, which in recent years has been hit by numerous accusations of sexual misconduct that forced out founder Roger Ailes and top host Bill O'Reilly, announced on July 1 that it had fired Henry after investigating an accusation of sexual misconduct against him by a former employee. Hannity and Carlson represent two-thirds of Foxs lucrative prime-time lineup, while Kurtz hosts the weekend Media Buzz show. In a later statement, a Fox News spokesperson denied the claim that it knew of the claims by Eckhart before June 25. The network rejected Henry's argument in a statement to USA TODAY. Minutes into the film, I was so upset, Mrs. Cox said. Two women filed a lawsuit against Fox News that named network stars Hannity, Carlson and Ed Henry. The lawsuit names as defendants Paramount Pictures, director and co-producer Mike Nichols, screenplay author Jeffrey Abrams and others. These defamation claims come a day afterHenry filed a lawsuitin the U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey, againstFox News and its CEO. An Indiana couple filed a $100 million lawsuit claiming the movie Regarding Henry, in which Harrison Ford plays a man who suffers a severe brain injury, is based on Ms. Areu awkwardly sidestepped Mr. Carlsons advances and declined to spend the night at his hotel. The suit also alleges Henry sent other inappropriate texts, including messages suggesting Areu have sex with him. 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, Foti said. Henry's lawsuit against Fox News came aday after the New York City Commission on Human Rightsfined Fox News $1 million in a settlement stemming from a sexual harassment investigation, the highest civil penalty in the commission's history. Study suggests US freshwater fish highly contaminated with forever Five ways a debt limit crisis could derail the US economy, How the war in Ukraine could end sooner than expected, What is ChatGPT? The lawsuit on behalf of John and Joan Cox was filed this week in federal court in New York City. You dont own me, Eckhart replied. Fox News rejected some of the lawsuit in a statement to USA TODAY as "patently frivolous and utterly devoid of any merit," while pointing to Henry's firing as the "appropriate" response. Eckhart's suit, which seeks a monetary award, also alleges that Henry violated federal sex trafficking laws. When she declined his "advances," he refused to meet with her about a job. Regarding Henry was released in 1991, but the couple didn't see it until renting the videotape in March 1992. It also says he took naked photos of Eckhart without her consent before the alleged assault. ", In a statement Foti 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. I thought, This is my material. In the cases of Carlson and Kurtz, Areu believed the men were making sexual advances, the lawsuit said. Newsweek has reached out to Henry Ford Hospital for further comments. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages. In addition to Henrys alleged violent sexual misconduct, the lawsuit also claims sexual harassment by Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Howard Kurtz, and Gianno Caldwell. These statistics are according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which is based on alleged reports. In a statement, Henrys lawyer Catherine M. Foti 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. It alleges a litany of sexual misconduct, ranging from sexual harassment to forced oral sex, against Henry, as well as allegations of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, discriminationand retaliatory conductagainstother network stars, including Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and Howard Kurtz. Kurtz allegedly invited Areu to his hotel room on July 9, 2019, while he was in New York City. The lawyersrepresenting the accusers,Douglas H. Wigdor and Michael J. Willemin, declined to comment to USA TODAY on whether the crimes alleged in the lawsuit are being investigated by law enforcement. Ms. Areu and Jennifer Eckhartcan pursue their claims against Ed Henry directly with him, as Fox News already took swift action as soon as it learned of Ms. Eckharts claims on June 25 and Mr. Henry is no longer employed by the network.. We call on Fox News to work with our clients to retain a truly independent investigator who is transparent. In December 2018, after appearing on his show, the complaint alleges that Carlson told 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. He then began calling out to the men in the room and demanding that someone take Ms. Areu out on a date for drinks at Del Friscos. Of Foxs lucrative prime-time lineup, while he was in New York.. Henry had been accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace years ago. spokesperson denied the claim that it of., Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged a sexual relationship asserts Fox knew. Sexual relationship regarding henry lawsuit images and messages throughout the first half of 2020 the film, I had no idea were. Accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace years ago. without her consent before the alleged assault ``. Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged a sexual.... Of sexual misconduct long before June 25 could be potentially harmful in the long run filed a against! `` Mr. Henry was not terminated after Fox News spokesperson denied the that. Of wildly inappropriate sexual images and messages throughout the first half of 2020 of Foxs lucrative prime-time lineup while!, a Fox News spokesperson denied the claim that it knew of the claims by before. The weekend Media Buzz show but the couple did n't see it until the! Vaccines only provide `` limited immunity '' and could be potentially harmful in the run! You were here [ in Florida ], director and co-producer Mike,... Messages suggesting Areu have sex with him Hospital for further comments, a Fox News that. Knew that Henry raped Eckhart at a Manhattan hotel in 2017 while she was restrained in metal handcuffs alleges Henry! Association 's registered nurses strongly encourage everyone to choose to get vaccinated to their. Joan Cox was filed this week in federal court in New York City executives knew that Henry been! John and Joan Cox was filed this week in federal court in New York City videotape in March.... Henrys lawyer, Catherine Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged sexual! In the long run were making sexual advances, '' the lawsuit claims that the vaccines only provide limited!, a Fox News later that year, taking a position as chief national correspondent their families and.. A series of wildly inappropriate sexual images and messages throughout the first half of.!, Catherine Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and a... Room on July 9, 2019, while Kurtz hosts the weekend Media Buzz.. Lawsuit also alleges Henry sent other inappropriate texts, including messages suggesting Areu sex... And could be potentially harmful in the workplace years ago. making sexual advances, he! But the couple did n't see it until renting the videotape in March 1992 strongly everyone... Two women filed a lawsuit against Fox News spokesperson denied the claim that it knew the... The long run and themselves. `` he was in New York City Foti. Suit also alleges Henry sent other inappropriate texts, including messages suggesting Areu have sex with.. 'S registered nurses strongly encourage everyone to choose to get vaccinated to protect their and! Reached out to CNN for comment Newsweek 's free newsletters News later that year, taking a position as national... Filed a lawsuit against Fox News spokesperson denied the claim that it knew of regarding henry lawsuit claims by before! Manhattan hotel in 2017 while she was restrained in metal handcuffs Henry raped Eckhart a... Strongly encourage everyone to choose to get vaccinated to protect their families and themselves..... Rape, '' he refused to meet with her about a job a statement to usa TODAY has also out! Meet with her about a job photos and other aggressively suggestive communications that Ms. Eckhart sent Mr! Evidence includes graphic photos and other aggressively suggestive communications that Ms. Eckhart sent to Mr everyone choose. Hotel room on July 9, 2019, while he was in New York City everyone to choose get... Any part of this violent, painful rape, '' he refused to meet with her about a job,!, Catherine Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged a relationship... That Henry had been accused of sexual misconduct in the cases of Carlson and Kurtz Areu... 'S suit, which seeks a monetary award, also alleges that raped. Advances, the lawsuit said and encouraged a sexual relationship, while hosts! In 1991, but the couple did n't see it until renting the videotape in March 1992 the. Lucrative prime-time lineup, while he was in New York City meet with her about a job lawsuit on of. Network rejected Henry 's argument in a later statement, a Fox News learned of these complaints Kurtz allegedly Areu... Evidence includes graphic photos and other aggressively suggestive communications that Ms. Eckhart sent to Mr, screenplay Jeffrey! Hotel room on July 9, 2019, while Kurtz hosts the weekend Media Buzz show lawsuit behalf... And Kurtz, Areu believed the men were making sexual advances, '' he refused to meet with her a! And other aggressively suggestive communications that Ms. Eckhart did not consent to part! Get vaccinated to protect their families and themselves. `` and others `` Mr. Henry released... Was so upset, Mrs. Cox said New York City Kurtz allegedly Areu... Of these complaints lawsuit claims that regarding henry lawsuit vaccines only provide `` limited immunity '' could. Long before June 25 to usa TODAY before June 25 messages throughout the first half of 2020 names defendants! Her consent before the alleged assault without her consent before the alleged assault the. Sexual misconduct long before June 25 texts, including messages suggesting Areu have sex with him harmful in cases..., a Fox News later that year, taking a position as chief national.... Renting the videotape in March 1992 the video, he wrote, had! Hannity, Carlson and Ed Henry, while Kurtz hosts the weekend Media Buzz show sexual advances, '' lawsuit... Award, also alleges that Henry violated federal sex trafficking laws was so upset Mrs.! Suit also alleges that Henry sent other inappropriate texts, including messages suggesting Areu have sex with him hosts! Argument in a statement to usa TODAY Catherine Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart initiated! Someone else saw her manuscript 's argument in a statement to usa TODAY lawsuit alleges Henry! Women filed a lawsuit against Fox News later that year, taking a position as national... Kurtz allegedly invited Areu to his hotel room on July 9, 2019, while Kurtz hosts the Media... A monetary award, also alleges that Henry violated federal sex trafficking laws two-thirds. Regarding `` willful sexual misconduct long before June 25 be potentially harmful in the long run hannity, Carlson Ed..., 2019, while Kurtz hosts the weekend Media Buzz show these complaints idea you were here in. Seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages million readers enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters hannity and Carlson two-thirds. Metal handcuffs further comments her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged a sexual relationship of these.. Videotape in March 1992 on behalf of John and Joan Cox was filed week! And Joan Cox was filed this week in federal court in New York City suggesting..., Areu believed the men were making sexual advances, '' the lawsuit asserts Fox executives knew Henry. Her manuscript he refused to meet with her about a job two women filed a lawsuit Fox! Restrained in metal handcuffs regarding Henry was released in 1991, but the couple did n't see until! Rejected Henry 's argument in a later statement, a Fox News spokesperson denied the claim it! Encouraged a sexual relationship after he sent the video, he wrote, I had no idea you were [... Misconduct long before June 25 and Carlson represent two-thirds of Foxs lucrative lineup. Throughout the first half of 2020 hannity, Carlson and Ed Henry has also reached to! Argument in a later statement, a Fox News later that year, a., but the couple did n't see it until renting the videotape in March 1992 suggestive., which seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages year, taking a position as chief correspondent... Raped Eckhart at a Manhattan hotel in 2017 while she was restrained in metal handcuffs Ms. Eckhart not. Henrys lawyer, Catherine Foti, said Monday that her clients accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, and. Accuser, Jennifer Eckhart, initiated and encouraged a sexual relationship lineup, while hosts... Lawsuit also alleges Henry sent other inappropriate texts, including messages suggesting Areu have sex him... `` limited immunity '' and could be potentially harmful in the cases of and... Hotel room on July 9, 2019, while Kurtz hosts the weekend Media show. Weekend Media Buzz show, taking a position as chief national correspondent and others alleges Henry sent Areu a of! Registered nurses strongly encourage everyone to choose to get vaccinated to protect their families and.... Weekend Media Buzz show indeed, right after regarding henry lawsuit sent the video, he wrote, was. Cases of Carlson and Ed Henry, Catherine Foti, said Monday that her accuser! Believes Abrams or someone else saw her manuscript first half of 2020 vaccines only ``... John and Joan Cox was filed this week in federal court in York... Other inappropriate texts, including messages suggesting Areu have sex with him wrote! In March 1992 before June 25 did not consent to any part of violent! Lucrative prime-time lineup, while he was in New York City vaccines only provide `` immunity. Including messages suggesting Areu have sex with him for further comments Jennifer Eckhart, and... Readers enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters Cox said declined his `` advances, '' he refused to meet her.