Photo credit: www.thewrap.com

Bill O’Reilly Exits Interview After Question on Sexual Harassment Allegations

In a recent appearance on PBS’s “Firing Line,” former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly left the interview abruptly following questions about the sexual harassment allegations that contributed to his firing in 2017.

The interview, hosted by Margaret Hoover, started with her acknowledging the sensitive topic. She stated, “I don’t expect that you can comment on this.” To which O’Reilly responded, “Well, I knew it was coming,” highlighting his reluctance to revisit the subject.

Hoover referenced an article she wrote for the New York Times in 2017, where she described O’Reilly’s dismissal as a “welcome step.” O’Reilly appeared dismissive, saying, “Yeah, I know what you wrote.”

As Hoover read excerpts from her piece, including references to O’Reilly allegedly “blaming others” rather than embodying the conservative value of personal accountability, she pressed him for a response. O’Reilly retorted, “I don’t. You don’t know anything about it, so you can write whatever you want.”

Hoover, who had been a frequent guest on “The O’Reilly Factor” from 2007 to 2011, asserted, “I do know about the culture I experienced [at Fox News].” O’Reilly subsequently referred to her article as “a diatribe” and cautioned her against writing “inflammatory” essays without fully understanding the context.

The situation reached a breaking point when Hoover brought up Gretchen Carlson, which prompted O’Reilly to declare, “That’s enough, I’m not going to get into this… that’s it,” thereby ceasing the interview prematurely.

Before leaving, O’Reilly issued a warning to Hoover about potential repercussions should she utilize any of the recorded footage from their conversation.

In a reflection following the interview, Hoover expressed disappointment in O’Reilly for not addressing the broader implications of the settlements involving several women, which she stated have hindered their careers in media. “It’s disappointing that Bill O’Reilly, knowing he would be asked, has not reflected on how the settlements involving him and several women have affected their ability to earn a living in media again, even as he continues to, in his words, ‘flourish’ in independent media,” Hoover told Mediaite.

Hoover noted that in her seven years of hosting the show, O’Reilly was the first guest to leave an interview early. She remarked that it was evident he was uncomfortable addressing the sexual harassment allegations, which are a significant aspect of his public persona. She had also extended an opportunity for him to discuss legislative efforts aimed at empowering victims of sexual harassment and the ongoing shifts in workplace culture, which he declined.

The conversation, lasting nearly four minutes, highlights O’Reilly’s ongoing struggle with the legacy of his allegations. The complete interview is scheduled to air on PBS on Friday night at 8:30 p.m.

O’Reilly’s firing from Fox News in 2017 came after a New York Times exposé revealed that the network had allocated tens of millions of dollars to settle at least six separate sexual harassment claims against him, with some allegations dating back to 2004.

This account was initially reported by Mediaite.

Source
www.thewrap.com