O’Reilly pushes back after harassment reports

Fox News host Bill O’Reilly defended himself on Saturday after a report that five women got a total $13 million in settlements after accusing him of harassment.

“Just like other prominent and controversial people, I’m vulnerable to lawsuits from individuals who want me to pay them to avoid negative publicity,” the Fox News host said in a statement on his website.

“In my more than 20 years at Fox News Channel, no one has ever filed a complaint about me with the Human Resources Department, even on the anonymous hotline,” he added.

{mosads}A New York Times report on Saturday detailed several harassment allegations against O’Reilly, including three cases that were not previously known to the public.

The women were reportedly paid either by Fox or by O’Reilly himself.

According to the Times, the complaints included verbal abuse, unwanted advances, lewd comments and indecent phone calls.

O’Reilly said Saturday, “I’m a father who cares deeply for my children and who would do anything to avoid hurting them in any way. And so I have put to rest any controversies to spare my children.”

“The worst part of my job is being a target for those who would harm me and my employer, the Fox News Channel. Those of us in the arena are constantly at risk, as are our families and children. My primary efforts will continue to be to put forth an honest TV program and to protect those close to me,” he added.

A representative for 21st Century Fox had told the Times that “while he denies the merits of these claims, Mr. O’Reilly has resolved those he regarded as his personal responsibility. Mr. O’Reilly is fully committed to supporting our efforts to improve the environment for all our employees at Fox News.”