Bill O'Reilly's Downfall: Amid $32M Harassment Settlement Report, Timeline of Ex-Fox Host's Alleged Misconduct

bill o'reilly timeline photo story allegations settlements
Television host Bill O'Reilly attends the Hollywood Reporter's 2016 35 Most Powerful People in Media at Four Seasons Restaurant on April 6, 2016 in New York City. Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

The New York Times Saturday dropped a new bombshell article alleging a previously unreported, massive settlement doled out by Bill O'Reilly to a co-worker over allegations of sexual harassment.

The Times, citing unnamed sources briefed on the situation, reported that O'Reilly last January agreed to pay Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl $32 million to settle sexual harassment claims shortly before the network renewed his contract. The Times reported that makes six settlements totaling $45 million for O'Reilly, who was fired (with a golden parachute reportedly worth tens of millions) by Fox in April.

Bill O'Reilly settled a harassment claim in January for $32 million. Then Fox extended his contract.https://t.co/VPYu23Qrlg

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 21, 2017

Here's a quick look back at O'Reilly's downfall amid the latest bombshell Saturday.

2002-04: As the L.A. Times noted, this is when the allegations of harassment began. Andrea Mackris, a producer on the show "The O'Reilly Factor," sued the host, alleging he told inappropriate stories and propositioned her. O'Reilly filed a suit as well but the two would eventually settle, with the host agreeing to pay $9 million.

January 10, 2017: The New York Times reported Fox News had settled with a employee named Juliet Huddy, paying her a high six-figure settlement over alleged harassment from O'Reilly.

April 1, 2017: The New York Times published a bombshell report that stated it had found five cases in which women had settled with either O'Reilly or Fox News for a total of $13 million.

April 19, 2017: O'Reilly, who had been at Fox News for almost two decades, was forced out. Dozens of advertisers had ditched the show in the wake of harassment reports. He was, however, paid a reported $25 million as he left.

September 26, 2017: O'Reilly appears again on Fox News, but as a guest on Sean Hannity's show. He talked of liberals ruining the country. "Who's gonna stop this madness? You. You, the American people," he said.

October 21, 2017: The New York Times publishes its article on the settlement reportedly worth $32 million between O'Reilly and Wiehl. 21st Century Fox told the Times it was not aware of the amount of the settlement and considered the matter a personal issue between the two parties.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Reporter, covering a bit of everything. 

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go