In a shocking revelation, a former Fox News employee has filed a lawsuit against Tucker Carlson’s executive producer and “right-hand man,” alleging sexual harassment and assault. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in New York, brings to light a disturbing incident in 2008 during their employment at the network.
Andrew Delancey, the plaintiff, accuses Justin Wells, Fox News, and its parent company, Fox Corporation, of sexual assault. At the time, Wells served as a producer on Greta Van Susteren’s show. The lawsuit claims that despite the allegations, Wells continued to be promoted within the network, eventually becoming a senior executive producer and vice president. Wells’ employment was terminated when Carlson left Fox in April, and he now works as a producer on Carlson’s streaming show.
According to the complaint, the troubling incidents began in 2007 when Delancey worked with a Fox affiliate in Tampa, Florida. Wells, reaching out through a Facebook group for Fox News employees, encouraged Delancey to apply for positions in New York City. Delancey followed Wells’ advice and was hired as a producer, relocating to the city.
The legal complaint asserts that Wells bestowed exclusive gifts upon Delancey, emphasizing his elevated standing in the network and his potential sway over Delancey’s professional path. Approximately one month after Delancey relocated to New York City, he asserts that Wells invited him to his apartment for a “pre-game” cocktail before meeting other Fox colleagues at a nearby bar. Contrary to expectations, the complaint alleges that the two individuals found themselves alone in Wells’ apartment, where Delancey reportedly experienced multiple instances of assault.
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of Fox News as a workplace rife with sexual harassment, citing examples of allegations against former CEO and chairman Roger Ailes, as well as well-known personalities such as Tucker Carlson, Bill O’Reilly, and Ed Henry. Delancey attempted to confide in multiple colleagues at Fox News but received no protection from Wells. One female coworker claimed to have been harassed by Wells, but the network failed to take corrective action.
Delancey also accuses his supervisor of misconduct, including encouraging inappropriate behavior among coworkers and discouraging him from reporting Wells’ assault to human resources. As retaliation for rejecting Wells’ advances, Delancey alleges that his career progression at Fox was obstructed, leading him to eventually leave and return to his previous job in Tampa.
In response to the lawsuit, Wells’ attorney, Harmeet Dhillon, vehemently denies the allegations, dismissing them as meritless and timed strategically to capitalize on the extended statute of limitations. Dhillon suggests that this lawsuit is part of a pattern by a law firm known for suing Fox and its former employees.
Delancey’s lawsuit is made possible under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law that allows victims of sexual assault to come forward within a one-year statute of limitations.
