Fox News Scandal: Eric Bolling Fired Amid Le.wd Photo Allegations, Show Canceled

Fox News Channel has officially cut ties with longtime host Eric Bolling following shocking allegations that he sent lewd photos to female co-workers.

The network made the bombshell announcement on Friday, confirming that Bolling, a vocal Trump supporter and rising star, would no longer be part of the network.

In addition to Bolling’s departure, Fox is also canceling his show, “The Specialists,” which aired weekdays at 5 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, Fox Business Network has reinstated host Charles Payne, who had been under investigation for sexual misconduct but has now been cleared to return to his program, Making Money.

FILE - In this July 22, 2015, file photo, co-host Eric Bolling appears on "The Five" television program, on the Fox News Channel, in New York. Bolling has left the network, which is canceling his news program, "The Specialists." The network suspended Bolling in August as it investigated a report of allegations that he sent lewd photos to co-workers. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

A Swift Fall From Grace

Bolling, who had been with Fox News for a decade, was once seen as a top conservative voice on the network.

His sudden suspension last month over the alleged explicit messages sent shockwaves through the media industry.

According to a report by the Huffington Post, multiple women accused Bolling of sending unsolicited, inappropriate images.

While the host had filed a defamation lawsuit against journalist Yashar Ali—who broke the story—Fox’s decision to part ways suggests the scandal was too much for the network to ignore.

Fox's Bolling talks of a future Senate run - POLITICO

Bolling’s attorney, Michael Bowe, declined to comment beyond confirming that the host and network had agreed to part ways amicably.

Fox News: A Network Plagued by Scandal

Bolling’s exit is just the latest in a string of high-profile s*xual misconduct cases that have plagued Fox News in recent years.

Roger Ailes, the network’s founder, was forced out in July 2016 after a series of sexual harassment allegations.
Bill O’Reilly, Fox’s former prime-time giant, was fired earlier this year after reports revealed the network paid millions in settlements to women who accused him of misconduct.

Now, with Bolling’s dramatic downfall, the network finds itself once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Eric Bolling Signs Multiyear Contract to Remain at Fox News

Charles Payne Cleared, Returns to Fox Business

In a separate but related controversy, Fox Business host Charles Payne has been reinstated after an internal investigation into allegations of sexual coercion.

A female political analyst had accused Payne of offering her airtime in exchange for a sexual relationship.

While Payne denied the harassment claims, he admitted to having a romantic relationship with the woman.

Fox completed its review and cleared Payne to return to Making Money on Friday.

File:Eric Bolling (26632428518).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

What’s Next for Fox News?

With The Specialists officially canceled, the network will fill the 5 p.m. ET time slot with rotating hosts in the short term.

However, speculation is mounting that Fox could move its struggling panel show, “The Five,” back to its original time slot after its performance declined following O’Reilly’s departure.

File:Eric Bolling (25632743327).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Meanwhile, conservative firebrand Laura Ingraham is reportedly in talks to launch a new prime-time show, which could further shake up the network’s programming lineup.

For now, Fox News remains a network in turmoil, grappling with one scandal after another—leaving many to wonder: Who’s next?