The influential founder of Fox News, Roger Ailes dies at 77 years old. His passing comes in the wake of recent controversy that ousted him from his empire.
Roger Ailes recently passed away at the age of 77 years old, in a statement issued by his wife.
Yet, The Fox News creator dies amid sexual harassment accusations that started in July 2016.
In the period leading up to the allegations, Ailes was about celebrate the 20th anniversary of Fox News.
However, on July 6 former anchor Gretchen Carlson claimed that Ailes forced her out of the company against her will.
She reported that his reasoning for this move was because she refused to sleep with him.
After Carlson’s accusations, Ailes stepped into the firing line of 20 other similar claims.
Roger Ailes dies days after his 77th
Ailes died on Thursday morning, just three days after his 77th birthday.
Although his name is drenched in a slew of sexual harassment allegations, his wife Elizabeth Ailes remembers him with respect.
Thus, in a statement earlier this week, she described her memory of Ailes:
“[He was] a patriot who was profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise and to give back.”
She further hailed him as a “loving husband and father”.
Ailes was the founder, former Chairman, and CEO of Fox News, and Fox Television Stations Group.
Furthermore, he was an influential advisor to major American political figures throughout his career.
As such, he was the media guide to Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Georgy H.W. Bush.
Additionally, he helped Trump prepare for his debates on the campaign trail.
However, the sexual harassment scandals forced him out of his own empire.
Rupert Murdoch, corporate head of 21st Century Fox, concluded that Ailes had to go.
Ailes leaves behind his wife Elizabeth, and his son Zachary.
Did you enjoy, “Roger Ailes, Fox News founder dies within a year of scandal”?
Read more:
SpaceX carries your ashes to orbit, then drops you off as a shooting star