Fox Business Network anchor Charles Payne has been “suspended pending a future investigation” into allegations of sexual harassment lodged by an FBN contributor.
The network announced the suspension of the “Making Money” host Tuesday night in a statement.
“We take issues of this nature extremely seriously and have a zero-tolerance policy for any professional misconduct,” statement said, according to The Los Angeles Times. “This matter is being thoroughly investigated and we are taking all of the appropriate steps to reach a resolution in a timely manner.”
The popular host acknowledged that he had what he described as a three-year “romantic relationship” with his accuser — one which she alleged she was coerced into under threat of retaliation. Payne, through his lawyer, Neal Korval, “categorically denies” that claim. The Times reported:
That relationship is now being reviewed after the woman contacted Fox’s law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison last month to report her allegations of sexual misconduct. The woman, who worked for CNN last year, had a representative tell the firm she believed she was eventually blackballed from the network after she ended the affair in 2015 and tried to report Payne to top executives at Fox News, according to two sources familiar with her complaint.
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Although The Times declined to name Payne’s accuser, The Huffington Post claimed to have found out who it was through numerous sources and what’s being called long “open secret.”
Liberal reporter Yashar Ali of Huffington Post tweeted that he got “the scoop” and named Fox News contributor Scottie Nell Hughes as Payne’s accuser, which started a firestorm of its own.
Hughes has appeared as a guest on numerous Fox Business and Fox News Channel programs in the past.
SCOOP: Former CNN Commentator Scottie Nell Hughes has accused Fox Business host Charles Payne of sexual harassment. Story TK on HuffPost. pic.twitter.com/lO9odZZHlV
— Yashar Ali (@yashar) July 6, 2017
Social media weighed in harshly, especially on Hughes even though she has not confirmed she is the accuser. Payne has made a public apology to his wife and children.
Wake up right! Receive our free morning news blast HERE
He’s confirmed the affair.
— Yashar Ali (@yashar) July 7, 2017
Wtf??? @FoxBusiness better not let @cvpayne go just bc fake news lady made an allegation. Charles Payne is one of the best they have! ?
— Atlas Shrugged (@NeverHildabeast) July 7, 2017
Charles Payne has been one of the few consistently bright spots on fox for a long time. Very hard to believe any of the mud slinging around.
— Jeremy J (@intensej) July 7, 2017
If this is true this is absolutely insane Charles Payne we’ve got your back until further notice my friend #MAGA
— SmythRadio (@BrianPSmyth) July 7, 2017
Charles Payne is the most dignified & gentlemanly host on FoxBusiness. He is the rock of talent + investment advice. I stand with Charles.
— Follow the Money (@iKurt307) July 7, 2017
And one person had what many believe to be a better target for an investigation.
LEAVE CHARLES PAYNE ALONE. GO AFTER REV. AL SHARP TON
— Cherryl Chmielewski (@1Blkwid713) July 6, 2017
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Payne, 56, who is also a Wall Street financial analyst, has been a mainstay at Fox Business Network since its 2006 imauguration, and has enjoyed substantial ratings growth since then.
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