Fox News: Bill O'Reilly out after harassment claims

Presenter Bill O'Reilly has been dropped from Fox News over sexual harassment claims, the company says.

"After a thorough and careful review of the allegations... Bill O'Reilly will not be returning," the network said in a one-sentence statement.

He has been on holiday since 12 April, and was seen shaking hands with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday.

O'Reilly said it was "tremendously disheartening" to leave over "completely unfounded claims".

More than 50 sponsors have withdrawn ads from his show, The O'Reilly Factor.

Pressure on Fox has mounted since recent reports that five women had received $13m (£10m) in payouts because of O'Reilly's behaviour.

The prime-time presenter, who has been with the US network almost since its inception, has denied all of the allegations.

"It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims," he said in a statement released after his dismissal.

"But that is the unfortunately reality many of us in the public eye must live with today."

Fox broadcaster Tucker Carlson will be taking over Mr O'Reilly's slot, the company said in a follow-up statement.  More at link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39647434

How are the mighty fallen -

....Fox News head Roger Ailes was sacked for his own sexual harassment scandal.

If Mr Ailes, who built the conservative television empire, could be laid low by his tawdry behaviour, no one was untouchable - even Mr O'Reilly.

Welcome to Fox News in the Donald Trump era. Mr Ailes is out. Mr O'Reilly is gone.

Presenter Megyn Kelly has bolted to NBC. The only giant left standing is Trump super-fan Sean Hannity.

A network that defined itself by blanket opposition to Barack Obama now appears adrift, challenged by more aggressive conservative media outlets and toxic to the left.

It's a tricky position to occupy - a victim of its own success… and hubris.

And guess what, Trump immediately rushed to his defence .... just like he did over Roger Ailes - the kiss of death?   Who's next? Watch this space.

"I think he's a person I know well - he is a good person," Mr Trump told the New York Times on Wednesday from the White House, surrounded by his aides.

"I think he shouldn't have settled; personally I think he shouldn't have settled," the president added.

You reap what you sow in this life.    Good riddance to bad rubbish.    LL

Not surprised, LL, there were just too many allegations, with a consistent pattern. I didn't watch him much anyway, he had a very bad habit of SHOUTING DOWN whoever he was interviewing.

Someone like Tucker Carlson, who wields a most elegant scalpel with wit and manners, is much more effective, IMO.

LL, the way Trump is these days, he probably thinks O' Reilly is the PM of Ireland......

I must agree with Bonny here.  I like Tucker Carlson and think he is a terrific improvement.  

What on earth is going on with Trump?  I must admit that I do not care for him any more.  

What on earth is going on with Trump? I must admit that I do not care for him any more.

He has what a friend of mine describes as PMRMTBS, which translates as Poor Man, Rich Man, Total Bully Syndrome. Sorry to see he let you down, but not in the slightest bit surprised. LL

Thank you LL.  You are, as always, the gentleman.