LESTER HOLT (HOST): A sexual harassment scandal is rocking the world of cable news. Gretchen Carlson, who until recently was an anchor for Fox News, is suing the channel's powerful CEO, Roger Ailes. She accuses him of firing her for refusing his sexual advances. We get the details from NBC News senior legal correspondent Cynthia McFadden. 

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN: Gretchen Carlson worked at Fox News for over a decade, until last month that is, when she says Roger Ailes, the chairman of the company, fired her. Fox News says she wasn't fired, her contract was not renewed. Today, she came back swinging, accusing Ailes -- one of the most powerful men in media -- of a litany of boorish and harassing behavior, including claims he ogled her, made sexual remarks to her, and ultimately fired her for failing to engage in a sexual relationship with him. Quoting him as saying, “I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago,” adding that “sometimes problems are easier to solve that way.” Carlson was crowned Miss America in 1989. A Stanford University graduate, she claims her troubles began in 2009 while working as co-anchor of Fox & Friends. She was often razzed on air by her co-host Brian Kilmeade. 

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BRIAN KILMEADE: Why is it that you talk so much, Gretchen?

GRETCHEN CARLSON: Because I can.

[END VIDEO]

MCFADDEN: That kind of banter did not bother Carlson, say her lawyers, rather it was the show's other anchor, Steve Doocy, who she claims treated her in such a sexist and condescending way, she complained to Ailes, who she claimed called her a “man hater.” The result, he took her off Fox & Friends and gave her her own afternoon show.

[BEGIN VIDEO]

CARLSON: A big thanks to our boss here, Roger Ailes, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.

LISA BLOOM (CARLSON'S ATTORNEY): She says in her complaint that she had the highest rated cable news program in her time slot, so why was she taken off the air if not for reporting sexual harassment to the CEO and by the CEO? 

[END VIDEO]

MCFADDEN: Carlson is suing Ailes directly, not Fox News. As for Roger Ailes, he contacted us tonight saying, “Gretchen Carlson's allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network's decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup.” Meanwhile, Carlson's lawyers say they have already been contacted by numerous former Fox employees, who want to discuss how the women were treated at the network. 

Previously:

Gretchen Carlson’s Departure From Fox Follows Years Of Observing Sexism On Air

Fox News’ Parent Company Launches Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Charges Against Roger Ailes

CNN Reports That 10 Women Have Contacted Law Firm About Treatment Under Roger Ailes