Gretchen Carlson's 2016 lawsuit against Roger Ailes for sexual harassment not only led to his downfall but also ignited a movement. A decade later, she reflects on her 'no regrets' decision, her ongoing advocacy through Lift Our Voices, and the landmark legislation passed to end silencing mechanisms like forced arbitration and NDAs, profoundly impacting survivors' rights and the #MeToo movement.
In 2016, former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Roger Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination after rejecting his advances. This courageous act, made at a time when women rarely spoke out against powerful male bosses, ultimately led to Ailes's departure and a significant settlement. Ten years later, Carlson expresses 'no regrets,' stating she immediately found purpose in advocating for survivors' rights. She co-founded Lift Our Voices in 2019 with Julie Roginsky, dedicated to eradicating workplace silencing mechanisms such as nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and forced arbitration. Lift Our Voices has achieved significant legislative victories, including the 2022 Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, which allows survivors to sue in court instead of being forced into private arbitration, and the bipartisan Speak Out Act, which bars predispute NDAs and non-disparagement agreements related to sexual assault and harassment. Carlson, despite being under a stringent NDA regarding her own case, finds immense satisfaction in helping millions gain the possibility of justice. Her lawsuit detailed Ailes's alleged career sabotage, direct propositions, and hostile work environment fostered by co-host Steve Doocy. Carlson credits the survivors who came forward after her suit with the advent of the #MeToo movement, vehemently rejecting claims that the movement has failed and emphasizing the profound, ongoing progress made in a short period. She remains relentless in her advocacy, confident that future generations will recognize the immense societal shifts initiated by these efforts.
