When a woman goes public with a sexual harassment claim, people frequently call her a liar, a troublemaker, difficult,and crazy. But you still don’t know exactly what you’ll face when you speak out—it’s like jumping off into an abyss.
After my lawsuit became public, it was announced that Fox News’ parent company was undertaking an investigation of my claims. Shortly thereafter, the leadership at my former employer changed, and I got a public apology. With that, people saw that a woman could be believed and there could be consequences for this type of behavior—it was monumental.
"People saw that a woman could be believed and there could be consequences for this type of behavior—it was monumental."
Thousands of women reached out to me, saying they felt a sense of victory through my case. That was essential because, for most of these women, they were never believed—they were demoted or fired, and never worked in their chosen professions again. My case was a turning point for women to find the courage to also come forward, and that helped set off the whole tsunami. It wasn’t so much watching me jump off the cliff—it was watching me jump and seeing that I came out alive.
Gretchen Carlson was a former Fox News host; in 2016, Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against then Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, who resigned two weeks later.
This package appears in the March issues of Esquire and Marie Claire.
-
Timothée Chalamet Goes Full-Tilt Wonka in a Cartier Candy Necklace“It’s beyond anything I could have dreamt," he said of the custom confectionery piece.
-
Gayle King and Her Niece Empower Themselves By Taking Part in Their Sixth Annual Swimsuit Photoshoot on Thanksgiving
King took to Instagram to show off the results of the shoot.
-
Kris Jenner Originally Had No Faith in Kylie Jenner's Lip Kits
"My mom thought I was going to be stuck with lip kits in my garage for the rest of my life."
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
-
What's 'Bridgerton' Without the Sex?
Season 2 of the Netflix show betrays its romance roots by barely acknowledging or indulging women’s sexual desires that the genre is celebrated for.
-
Almost Famous
Half of the Shondaland dream team, the woman whose work brings 'Bridgerton' to life, is one of the most influential producers in Hollywood. And she’s ready for everyone to know it.
-
The 35 Best Sex Podcasts of All Time
Some are funny, some are informative, all are NSFW.
-
Payal Kadakia Is Finally Sharing Her Secret Sauce to Success
In her new book, LifePass, the ClassPass founder gives you the tools to write your own success story.
-
The Power Issue
Our November issue is all about power—having it, embracing it, and dressing for it.
-
J. Smith-Cameron Is in Control
She’s Logan Roy’s right hand. She’s Roman’s ‘mommy girlfriend.’ And she’s a fan favorite. Here, the Succession star takes us behind the scenes of Gerri’s boardroom power plays.
-
The Best LGBTQ+ Movies of All Time
Absolutely required viewing.
