Sexual harassment can happen in all types of industries. The lawsuits against popular Fox News host Bill O’Reilly is an example of just how common sexual harassment is in the workplace. O’Reilly has been accused of seeking sexual favors from co-workers and retaliating against women who would not agree to his requests.
The allegations of sexual harassment have led to advertisers pulling sponsorship of his nightly show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” with more than 60 advertisers pulling out of running ads on his show. Many individuals and groups have called for Fox News to cancel his show altogether to show a clear stance against workplace sexual harassment.
O’Reilly has settled some of the lawsuits against him for roughly $13 million so far. O’Reilly has denied any wrongdoing and reportedly settled the lawsuits to protect his family, according to a recent report by Variety.
What is sexual harassment?
The sexual harassment allegations against O’Reilly highlight the prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace in the United States. Sexual harassment can come in many forms, including requests for sexual favors, unwanted sexual advances and verbal or physical harassment that is considered sexual.
Common examples of sexual harassment include:
- Sharing inappropriate videos or images with co-workers
- Telling sexual or lewd jokes
- Sending inappropriate sexual images or stories
- Making comments about a co-workers appearance or body
- Touching that is unwanted or inappropriate
- Asking someone about their sexual history or sexual preferences
- Making offensive comments about someone’s sexual orientation or gender
What are your rights when the harassment has created an offensive or hostile work environment? You have the right to report the workplace abuse and take legal action against the abuser and your employer. You do not have to put up with harassment, and your abuser should not get away with this type of behavior.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, do not wait to contact an attorney to protect yourself. An attorney can help you put a stop to the harassment and take legal action to hold your abuser and employer accountable for their actions.