Ex-Fox News Host Says Scott Brown Put His Hands On Her, Made Sexually Suggestive Comments
NEW YORK (CBS) – An ex-Fox News host said in a lawsuit against the cable network that former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown acted inappropriately with her.
Brown is mentioned in the lawsuit that was filed by Andrea Tantaros this week against Fox News. The lawsuit alleges that Fox News retaliated against her for complaining about harassment.
"Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny," the lawsuit states.
Tantaros says in the lawsuit that the incident with Brown happened on August 18, 2015, when he appeared on the show "Outnumbered."
"Brown made a number of sexually inappropriate comments to Tantaros on set, including, and in a suggestive manner, that Tantaros 'would be fun to go to a nightclub with," the lawsuit states. "After the show was over, Brown snuck up behind Tantaros while she was purchasing lunch and put his hands on her lower waist."
The lawsuit states that Tantaros immediately pulled back and told Brown to stop. She also says she complained to a Fox News executive and asked that Brown never be booked on her show again, but that request was ignored.
Brown said his interactions with Tantaros were limited, and her allegations are "false."
"If she's alleging that something happened on the set, that's the first I'm hearing of it," he told reporters Tuesday.
Brown said that if he's asked to make a witness statement, he'd look forward to that opportunity.
"I don't go to nightclubs. I haven't been to a nightclub since the 80s," he said.
The lawsuit comes about a month after longtime Fox News CEO Roger Ailes' resignation. Ailes was sued by former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson, who said she was fired after denying his sexual advances.
Tantaros says in her lawsuit that Ailes once told her to turn around "so I can get a good look at you," and that "I bet you look good in a bikini."
The lawsuit also alleges that popular Fox News host Bill O'Reilly sexually harassed Tantaros. She said O'Reilly asked her to stay with him on Long Island, and that he told her multiple times that she had a "wild side."
