Fox News host Eric Bolling accused of sending unsolicited sex texts to female colleagues
The married father-of-one allegedly sent pictures of male genitalia to two women working at Fox Business and another at Fox News several years ago
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Fox News host has been accused of sending unsolicited sex texts to female colleagues at the scandal-hit network.
Eric Bolling, 54, allegedly sent pictures of male genitalia to two women working at Fox Business and another at Fox News several years ago.
The women, who wish to remain anonymous, claimed they recognised Mr Bolling's number when they received the "deeply upsetting" images after meeting him at work.
One of them said she replied to the married father-of-one and told him to never send her photos again, but he didn't respond.
Mr Bolling denies the allegations, and his attorney Michael Bowe told Huffington Post he "will vigorously pursue his legal remedies for any false and defamatory accusations that are made”.
Huff Post said they had spoken to 14 sources linked to Fox News and Fox Business to verify the story, but all of them wanted to remain anonymous because they either work at the network or are at risk of breaching confidentiality agreements.
Four sources said they had seen the pictures sent to the three women, and eight people said the women had spoken to them about the messages.
The allegations follow a series of sexual harassment scandals involving senior Fox News executives and on-air stars.
In July 2016 the channel's chairman and CEO Roger Ailes resigned when former host Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him.
Former Fox anchors Megyn Kelly and Andrea Tantaros also accused Mr Ailes, who died aged 77 in May, of sexual harassment following his shock departure.
Bill O'Reilly, once described as "the biggest star in the 20 year history at Fox News", was forced to leave the network in April after a New York Times investigation revealed $13m had been spent to settle five sexual harassment lawsuits against him.
Fox News are said to be investigating the allegations against Mr Bolling, who has worked at the network since 2007.
The former trader branded Anthony Weiner a "sick human being" after the disgraced New York congressman pleaded guilty to sending lewd messages to an underage girl in May.
He previously became embroiled in a Twitter spat with Mr Weiner when it emerged that the politician had sent several sex texts to women while he was still married.
Mr Bolling once likening a bombing campaign against Isis to having "boobs on the ground" because it was lead by the United Arab Emirate's first female fighter pilot.
The host, known for his aggressive support for Donald Trump, apologised for the comments on air in September 2014.
His Fox contract was extended in June, ending rumours that he would join the Trump administration as commerce secretary or as a senior adviser.
A spokesperson from Fox News said: "Eric Bolling has been suspended pending the results of an investigation, which is currently underway."
The network said they are "investigating this matter and all claims will be taken into account".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments