Bill O’Reilly’s name was abruptly removed from his own Fox News program on Wednesday night, just hours after his dismissal due to escalating sexual harassment allegations.
Dana Perino, a close associate of Megyn Kelly and the emotionless substitute host, spent a little over a minute bidding farewell to O’Reilly, who had been at the helm of the show for two decades.
Perino referred to O’Reilly as the “undisputed king of Cable News,” yet there was no indication that he had ever hosted The Factor when it aired at 8 PM.
Additionally, the network eliminated ‘O’Reilly’ from the show’s title, with the opening graphic now simply identifying it as The Factor.
These changes followed Rupert Murdoch’s announcement earlier that afternoon, in which he declared the termination of the network’s most prominent host in a letter co-signed by his sons, Lachlan and James.
The decision was executed so rapidly that O’Reilly was informed of it while on his way to the airport, returning to the United States after a week-long trip to Italy, as reported by Vanity Fair.
Perino, a former White House Press Secretary, began the show with a brief acknowledgment of O’Reilly’s exit from the network, indicating that she would elaborate on the matter later in the broadcast.
The 44-year-old political commentator addressed O’Reilly’s departure in a prepared statement at the conclusion of the show, dedicating a few minutes to the topic.Dana Perino commenced the 8 PM broadcast with a poignant acknowledgment of a significant transition at the Fox News Channel.
She stated, “Tonight marks the conclusion of an era here at Fox News. As previously mentioned, Bill O’Reilly is departing from this position and the network after over two decades of service.
Bill has rightfully earned the title of the unrivaled leader in cable news. His exceptional skills as a broadcaster have set a new standard for interviewers across the industry.
In his pursuit of delivering the highest quality programming, he has maintained rigorous expectations for his team, resulting in outstanding content.
Moreover, the audience’s response has been remarkable, with record viewership making The Factor the top cable news program for more than 16 years. Your loyalty has been invaluable, and we cannot express how much it means to everyone involved with The Factor.”
Following this, Perino referenced a statement from the Murdoch family regarding O’Reilly’s exit. A recent report from Vanity Fair indicated that challenges at Fox News may be just beginning.
At the conclusion of the show, the substitute host offered a brief farewell to O’Reilly, reiterating the sentiments shared earlier.In a memo addressed to The Factor staff today, Rupert Murdoch characterized Bill as follows: “His success, by any standard, is undeniable. We wish him all the best.”
“I’m Dana Perino. Thank you for joining us; I will return tomorrow. Goodnight.” Subsequently, Lachlan reportedly reconsidered his stance after his wife, Sarah, persuaded him that O’Reilly needed to be dismissed.
This development follows the emergence of a new accuser who has come forward with sexual harassment allegations against O’Reilly.
According to their attorney, Doug Wigdor, several unnamed employees from Fox News are preparing to file additional complaints against the network. He stated that these allegations will “illuminate the abhorrent, intolerable, and unlawful working conditions that our clients have been compelled to endure.”
Wigdor informed Dailymail.com on Wednesday that he anticipates filing “a handful” of complaints against the network “in the coming days,” but he refrained from commenting on whether the specific allegations involve sexual harassment.
In a press statement, Wigdor dismissed assertions made by O’Reilly’s attorney that the Fox News host is the victim of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by “far-left organizations intent on destroying O’Reilly.” Wigdor noted that he supported Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and regularly watches Fox News.
“I can categorically deny, and find it offensive, that my firm is being accused of being influenced by far-left organizations,” he stated.
Wigdor is representing several current and former Fox News employees who are currently pursuing legal action against the network for racial discrimination.
