Fox News announced Wednesday veteran host Bill O’Reilly would not return to the network following numerous allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct. O’Reilly was away from his show on a “pre-planned” vacation when the announcement was made. “After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the Company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel,” parent company 21st Century Fox said in a statement Wednesday. The announcement came after six women accused O’Reilly, 67, of inappropriate behavior. A New York Times investigation published April 1 revealed O’Reilly and Fox News had settled with five women for a total of $13 million, while another woman recently came forward with allegations.
Reacting to the news, former half-term governor of Alaska Sarah Palin commented in an interview with portal KnowMyRepublican.com that she was “very excited” to learn that Fox was opening up the position. “Even though I’ve known Bill for many years and have no intention whatsoever of believing a word of the accusations, I still can’t help but feel optimistic about the fact that Fox is now looking for someone to fill his shoes,” Palin said. “As for Bill, I don’t think he’ll be particularly sad about what’s happened, considering he’s done very well for himself and is taken care of financially speaking. The only thing I can think of that could potentially bother him is knowing that he won’t be able to make waves in politics anymore.”
She continued, “On the other hand, regardless of the fact that many new faces are currently being considered to fill the gap, I still have to point out that Fox management should take a look in my direction. As for what it is that makes me qualified to take up his show or a show in that slot, well, I have to say that I’m pretty much the smartest person I know, even though I’m well aware that it sounds like I’m bragging when I say something like that. However, I can assure you that’s not the case. That being said, I don’t think I’m that bad on the eyes either, which, with all due respect to Bill, will certainly be an improvement in the eyes of the viewers.”
“Add then there’s also the fact that there’s absolutely zero risk of me harassing any female employees on the job, since I’m straight. Though, the men better watch out when I’m around, since I know the network has an unofficial tendency to hire both male and female eye-candy exclusively. And like I said, if Fox is looking to trade up from Bill and put a new spin on the program, I’ll be waiting for their call. I know I won’t make the same waves as Bill, but I’ll sure as hell be asking the same tough and awkward questions. And if things get too complicated for the viewers – hey, I’m a not-too-bad-looking woman, it’s all good. Worst case scenario – I’ve never heard of men filing a sexual harassment lawsuit anywhere. It’s a win-win, I’m telling you,” she concluded.
