Who Did Megyn Kelly Sue? A Deep Dive into the Legal Tussles
Hello there, curious minds! Today, we're diving into the legal history of journalist and TV personality, Megyn Kelly. We're going to explore who Megyn Kelly sued and why, so buckle up for a fascinating journey into the world of law and media. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who did megyn kelly sue.
Megyn Kelly: A Brief Background
Before we delve into the legal battles, let's quickly recap who Megyn Kelly is. She's an American journalist and former corporate defense attorney who rose to prominence as a news anchor at Fox News. She later hosted her own shows on NBC and has since become a prominent figure in the media landscape. Now, let's get into the main event!
Fox News and Megyn Kelly's Legal Feud
The Initial Lawsuit: Megyn Kelly vs. Fox News
In 2016, Megyn Kelly sued Fox News and its parent company, 21st Century Fox. The lawsuit was a response to the network's handling of sexual harassment allegations against then-CEO Roger Ailes. Kelly alleged that Fox News retaliated against her for speaking out about the harassment, violating her contract, and engaging in "unlawful discrimination, retaliation, and tolerance of harassment."
Kelly claimed that she was passed over for the network's top prime-time show in favor of Tucker Carlson, and that Fox News had tried to silence her about the harassment she had witnessed and experienced. The lawsuit sought damages for lost wages and emotional distress.
The Counterclaim: Fox News vs. Megyn Kelly
In response to Kelly's lawsuit, Fox News filed a counterclaim. The network argued that Kelly had breached her contract by making disparaging remarks about Fox News and its executives in her memoir, "Settle for More." Fox News also alleged that Kelly had engaged in "unjust enrichment" by profiting from her book while still under contract with the network.
The Settlement
After a year of legal back-and-forth, both parties reached a settlement in 2017. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it's widely reported that Kelly received a payout in the range of $20-30 million. The settlement also included a non-disparagement clause, preventing Kelly from speaking negatively about Fox News or its executives.
Megyn Kelly and NBC: A New Chapter, A New Legal Battle
After leaving Fox News, Megyn Kelly signed a three-year, $69 million contract with NBC in 2017. However, her time at NBC was tumultuous, to say the least. In 2018, Kelly found herself at the center of another legal dispute when she made controversial remarks about blackface on her show, "Megyn Kelly Today."
The Blackface Controversy
During a segment on Halloween costumes, Kelly questioned why blackface was considered offensive, sparking outrage and widespread criticism. NBC eventually canceled "Megyn Kelly Today" and the network and Kelly parted ways.
Megyn Kelly vs. NBC
Following the cancellation of her show, Megyn Kelly sued NBC in October 2018. She alleged that the network had reneged on their agreement to pay her the full $69 million contract, and that they had violated the terms of their agreement by canceling her show without cause.
NBC countersued, alleging that Kelly had violated her contract by making "false, derogatory, and misguided" statements about the network and its executives. NBC also argued that Kelly had been terminated for cause, citing her "discriminatory and racially insensitive remarks."
The Final Settlement
In 2019, Megyn Kelly and NBC reached a settlement in their legal dispute. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it's widely reported that Kelly received a payout in the range of $30-35 million. The settlement also included a non-disparagement clause, preventing Kelly from speaking negatively about NBC or its executives.
Lessons Learned
Megyn Kelly's legal battles with Fox News and NBC highlight the complex nature of employment contracts and the legal remedies available when those contracts are allegedly breached. They also serve as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in the media industry and the potential consequences of speaking out against powerful figures.
So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at who Megyn Kelly sued and why. Until next time, stay curious and keep questioning!
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