Gretchen Carlson has always been one for breaking barriers – and 2016 was no exception. That summer, she sparked a firestorm by taking on Fox News boss Roger Ailes over his alleged harassment. Her courage came at a cost: she claims to have faced 'a storm of threats' from the network's top brass after refusing Ailes' advances.
But for Carlson, it was a turning point – a moment that ignited a decade of tireless advocacy on behalf of victims everywhere. With conviction in her voice, she says she harbours 'absolutely no regrets' about speaking out against the powerful and entrenched culture at Fox News.
The ripple effect of her lawsuit saw other women come forward with similar allegations against Ailes, ultimately forcing his exit from the network and a reported $20 million settlement payout. It marked a seismic shift in the industry – one that's still echoing today.
Since then, Carlson has been at the forefront of a grassroots movement to end workplace silencing mechanisms like non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and forced arbitration clauses. She co-founded Lift Our Voices with fellow advocate Julie Roginsky in 2019, working tirelessly to create a culture where victims feel empowered to speak out without fear of retribution.
That hard work is already paying dividends. In 2022, the US government signed into law two landmark pieces of legislation championed by Carlson and her team: the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, which gives survivors their day in court; and the Speak Out Act, prohibiting pre-dispute NDAs related to sexual assault and harassment.
Of course, as a survivor herself, there are some things Carlson still can't talk about – thanks to that pesky NDA. But she's overjoyed by the impact of her work so far and is driven to keep pushing boundaries until justice is served for all.