Overview and Key Facts
Andrea Tantaros is a former Fox News political commentator and co-host of The Five who publicly raised allegations of sexual harassment against then-Fox host Roger Ailes in 2016. In the months that followed, she left the network, filed a lawsuit against Fox News alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, and later reached a confidential settlement. This explainer clarifies what happened to Andrea Tantaros, separating verified timeline events from media speculation. It is intended as a durable status overview based on publicly available records and court filings.
Background and Fox News Tenure
Early Career and Network Role
Prior to Fox News, Tantaros worked in political communications and appeared as a contributor on several cable programs. She joined Fox News as a political commentator and became a co-host on The Five, where she frequently appeared on-air discussing political topics. Her visibility on the network made her a recognizable presence among cable news political commentators.
Public Allegations and Response
In July 2016, Tantaros filed a lawsuit against Fox News and Ailes, alleging that she was subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation after complaining internally and to Ailes. The suit outlined specific incidents she said occurred during her time at the network and described a hostile work environment. Fox News responded with a statement affirming its commitment to a respectful workplace and indicating it investigated claims through internal policies.
Departure and Legal Resolution
On-Air Departure and Network Statement
Tantaros was regularly seen on The Five through mid-2016. After filing her lawsuit, she did not appear on the program again. In official statements, Fox News noted that the show underwent regular changes and that personnel decisions reflected ongoing programming reviews, while also emphasizing cooperation with any legal process. She subsequently exited the network and did not return to on-air roles.
Settlement and Confidential Terms
In February 2017, Tantaros and Fox News reached a confidential settlement, ending the lawsuit. The terms were not disclosed publicly, and both parties agreed to refrain from discussing specifics of the agreement. Legal observers noted that confidentiality is common in such settlements and that the resolution allowed both sides to move forward without further public litigation.
Subsequent Public Appearances and Statements
Media Interviews and Commentary
Since the settlement, Tantaros has given a limited number of interviews, generally reaffining her allegations and describing the emotional and professional toll of her time at Fox News. She has also discussed the broader conversation around sexual harassment in media and highlighted challenges facing women who speak publicly about workplace mistreatment.
Professional Trajectory After Fox News
Following her departure, Tantaros appeared on other news programs and panels, though she did not resume a regular on-air role at a major network. She has participated in public speaking engagements and panel discussions focused on media ethics, harassment, and the treatment of women in the workplace.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Coverage Patterns and Narratives
Media coverage of her case has often focused on the legal aspects, confidentiality of settlements, and broader implications for news organizations handling harassment claims. Opinion segments have varied, with some commentators emphasizing due process and others underscoring the importance of believing accusers. Public discourse has reflected polarized views on media accountability.
Fact-Check Highlights
Reporting on the case has consistently recognized that Tantaros filed a lawsuit with specific allegations, that Fox News publicly responded, and that a confidential settlement was reached. Disputed elements largely concern the interpretation of events and the characterization of workplace conduct, which remain matters of perspective rather than publicly adjudicated facts.
Status Clarifier and Common Questions
- Is Andrea Tantaros currently employed by Fox News? No. She left the network in 2016 after filing a lawsuit and did not return following the settlement.
- Did Andrea Tantaros win her lawsuit? The case was resolved through a confidential settlement in February 2017, so no public trial outcome or judgment was issued.
- What is Andrea Tantaros doing now? She has participated in public speaking and panel discussions, though she has not held a regular on-air role at a major news network since her departure.
- Are her allegations still part of public discussion? Yes, her case continues to be referenced in conversations about media harassment, workplace culture, and legal settlements in news organizations.
- Has Fox News commented on her allegations recently? Fox News has not issued new public statements about the specifics of her case beyond prior statements affirming their policies and cooperation with investigations.
Summary Table of Key Events
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 2016 | Tantaros files lawsuit against Fox News and Roger Ailes | Launched public legal process and brought harassment allegations to court |
| Late 2016 | Tantaros does not return to The Five | Marks her departure from on-air duties at Fox News |
| February 2017 | Confidential settlement reached | Ends public litigation; terms remain private |
| Post-2017 | Select media interviews and speaking engagements | She has continued to discuss the case and related issues publicly |
Takeaway
Andrea Tantaros remains a former Fox News personality who publicly alleged harassment, left the network, and settled her lawsuit confidentially. Her current professional activity is largely limited to select speaking and panel appearances, and she is not currently employed by Fox News. The case continues to inform conversations about media harassment and organizational responses to such claims.
Related Topics and Further Reading
- Sexual harassment allegations in news media
- Confidential settlements in media liability cases
- Workplace culture and legal risk in broadcast news
Because terms of the settlement are confidential and no new public legal filings have emerged, this status overview reflects the latest independently verified information available as of its composition. Readers seeking updates should consult authoritative legal or news sources if new public disclosures occur.