Britt McHenry, a host for Fox News’ streaming service, Fox Nation, has filed a lawsuit against the network, accusing them of retaliating against her after she accused her former co-host of sexual harassment.
According to the lawsuit, McHenry’s former co-host George “Tyrus” Murdoch displayed “volatile and unpredictable behavior” at work and started sending her sexually suggestive text messages in October 2018.
“I love pony tails and braids you look amazing and it’s a real turn on not that you care but I love it,” one of the text messages read.
“The picture looks so good I would knock up the picture …. crazy sexy love your legs,” said another.
McHenry claimed that Murdoch also sexually harassed her in person. After she reported the conduct to Fox News, the network allegedly retaliated against her.
The lawsuit claims that McHenry has received far fewer professional opportunities from the network, including rarely being invited to appear on-air and that she is not receiving much marketing for her show.
McHenry said that photographs obtained during one of the network’s investigations purported to be from her to Murdoch with her cleavage and nearly bare breast shown. However, she claimed the photos were fraudulent and doctored.
McHenry’s said she “immediately offered to have a forensic expert examine her phone to provide she did not send those messages, provided Mr. Murdoch do the same.” But, according to the lawsuit, Murdoch “has refused to submit to a forensic examination of his phone.”
“The last thing I wanted to do was file this lawsuit,” McHenry said in a statement. “But I had to stand up for what’s right for myself and for women.”
A Fox News representative said that the company continues to stand by the results of the two investigations conducted by outside firms.
“Ms. McHenry’s lawsuit recycles the same allegations she filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights in October, to which we filed a response on Friday,” a Fox News representative said in a statement. “As we have previously stated, Ms. McHenry’s allegations have been fully investigated and we are confident our actions will be deemed entirely appropriate in litigation. We expect all of her claims to be dismissed.”