William Henry O'Reilly

Overview

William Henry O’Reilly is a prominent conservative television host and political commentator for Fox News. In October 2004, television producer Andrea Mackris filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against O’Reilly.

Description

William Henry O’Reilly is a prominent conservative television host and political commentator for Fox News. In October 2004, television producer Andrea Mackris filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against O’Reilly, alleging he made sexually provocative phone calls and discussed personal sexual matters despite her discomfort. On the same day, O’Reilly filed a counter-suit accusing Mackris and her attorney of extortion. On October 28, 2004, the case was settled out of court for $9 million. The settlement included highly unusual provisions requiring all parties to disclaim any evidence as “counterfeit or forgeries” should it become public. Mackris was required to “lie—even in legal proceedings or under oath” if evidence surfaced. O’Reilly was later fired by Fox News in 2017 after multiple sexual harassment allegations were reported by The New York Times, leading to a major advertiser boycott.