Fox News 'Preparing' To Cut Bill O'Reilly Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Sources close to the negotiations tells the publication "People close to the situation say that 'a final decision on Mr. O'Reilly's fate could come as early as the next several days." A second source tells CNN that "representatives for Fox and O'Reilly have begun talking about an exit." O'Reilly's fate is expected to be finalized at a board meeting for Fox News' parent company, 21st Century Fox, on Thursday. The allegations against Bill O'Reilly have been around for years. However, things have steamrolled after the New York Times reported that five women were paid a collective $13 million by the cable news network. The 67-year-old host is on "vacation" and has claimed his only fault is that he's an easy target. "The worst part of my job is being a target for those who would harm me and my employer, the Fox News Channel," he wrote when the sexual harassment allegations surfaced. "Those of us in the arena are constantly at risk, as are our families and children. My primary efforts will continue to be to put forth an honest TV program and to protect those close to me." UPDATE: Fox News has released a statement sealing O'Reilly's fate. "After a thorough and careful review of the allegations," it reads, "the Company and Bill O'Reilly have agreed that Bill O'Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel. This decision follows an extensive review done in collaboration with outside counsel." Fox News is "preparing to cut ties" with Bill O'Reilly over the personality's sexual harassment allegations, according to the Wall Street Journal.