Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly is a popular commentator and host of the show The O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel, which he calls the "No Spin Zone." O'Reilly often remarks that his personal political viewpoint is not captured by the modern Democrat and Republican archetypes and would rather call himself a "traditionalist." In this vein, he has expressed support for some positions not traditionally associated with his political supporters including anthropogenic climate change and civil unions for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. The hosts who fill in for him when he is not hosting, however, are all standard conservative Republicans, such as John Kasich, Michelle Malkin, and Laura Ingraham. (Tony Snow also had filled in a few times prior to becoming White House Press Secretary).
The O'Reilly Factor is the highest-rated hours on any cable news channel. 20 million people a week watch the show and there are millions more who hear him on radio stations. [1]
Sexual harassment controversy
On October 13, 2004, O'Reilly filed a preemptive lawsuit against O'Reilly Factor producer Andrea Mackris, her lawyer Benedict P. Morelli, and Morelli's law firm for extortion, contending Mackris had privately demanded more than $60 million (USD) to settle a claim of sexual harassment. Morelli did not deny that they had demanded the settlement prior to filing the complaint, but did deny the allegations of extortion.[2][3][4][5]
The complaint also sought additional damages and alleged that Fox retaliated against her.[5] Both cases were settled out of court and all parties agreed to keep the terms of the settlement confidential.[5]
Trivia
- O'Reilly and Stephen Colbert have a friendly rivalry, even appearing on each others' shows.
- O'Reilly is a big fan of Middle Eastern food, including falafel.
References
- ↑ Bill O'Reilly: "No Spin" Transcript 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace aired Sept. 26, 2004.
- ↑ O'Reilly Hit With Sex Harass Suit. The Smoking Gun. Courtroom Television Network LLC (October 13, 2004). Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
- ↑ O'Reilly: Female Aide in $60M Extort Bid. The Smoking Gun. Courtroom Television Network LLC (October 13, 2004). Retrieved on 2005-07-11.
- ↑ Howard Kurtz (October 15, 2004). O'Reilly, Accuser Air Their Cases. The Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Howard Kurtz (October 29, 2004). Bill O'Reilly, Producer Settle Harassment Suit. The Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-05-28.