The Bill O'Reilly era at Fox News is over, but the controversy continues.
Fox News announced Wednesday in a statement that the now-former "O'Reilly Factor" host would not be returning from vacation in the wake of numerous sexual harassment allegations coming to light. The network initially stuck with O'Reilly after an April 1 New York Times report revealed he had paid $13 million in settlements to five women who had accused him of sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior since 2002. (O'Reilly has denied these claims.) However, the situation changed after more than 50 advertisers stepped away from his show and activism groups called on 21st Century Fox to sever ties with O'Reilly.
The pressure didn't come from just one side, though. "O'Reilly Factor" fans encouraged the network to stand by their man. Even President Trump commented, voicing his support for the conservative pundit in early April. Yet, that wasn't enough to save his job; the company said Wednesday that 21st Century Fox and O'Reilly "agreed" that he wouldn't return.
O'Reilly may have agreed, but he clearly wasn't happy about it. He commented on the issue Wednesday, calling it "tremendously disheartening" and labeling the claims "completely unfounded," according to the Washington Post.
Not surprisingly, there were very mixed reactions on Twitter. Some people were pretty gleeful, including a couple of celebrities.
A WIN for Women & the Men who Respect them. https://t.co/lXJbyJlfih
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) April 19, 2017
Trump supported O'Reilly because both are members of the odious boys' club where members feel they can abuse & humiliate women at will.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 19, 2017
Bill O'Reilly and Tomi Lauren walk into a bar.
— Kate (@kateNxnx) April 19, 2017
And ask for applications.
Well, Trump hasn't been impeached yet, but at least Bill O'Reilly is out. Sean Hannity should totally be next! #DisgustingMen
— #RemoveTrump (@France4Hillary) April 19, 2017
When Trump said he'd #draintheswamp, who knew he meant Bill O'Reilly,
— lancegould (@lancegould) April 19, 2017
Tomi Lahren, Jason Chaffetz, Mike Flynn, Carter Page, Alex Jones, ...
And some people were seriously upset.
Fox News Channel capitulated to unfounded accusations. I have never cared for Bill O'Reilly, but this was a typical spineless liberal move.
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) April 19, 2017
HEY FOX ! Do not fire Bill O'Reilly ! Get rid of Sheperd Smith instead ! We have enough flaming liberal liars delivering "news".
— Riya sharma (@riyasharma266) April 19, 2017
@TwitterMoments Will miss Bill O'Reilly Show. They r making mistake taking him off. I bet he has more people who love his show then those who complained.
— Charlyn Walter (@charlyn_walter) April 19, 2017
After what just happened to Bill O'reilly, I hope every advertiser that boycotted the Factor will likewise be boycotted by the viewers!
— Eugene Wakefield (@epwakefield3) April 19, 2017
It might take a while for the heated reactions to die down, but however you feel about the news, O'Reilly is out. His 8 p.m. time slot has gone to Tucker Carlson.
[via: The New York Times; Washington Post]
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