WASHINGTON • Fox News yesterday said it had settled a sexual harassment lawsuit by former news host Gretchen Carlson against cable channel boss Roger Ailes for a reported US$20 million (S$27 million), and apologised for her treatment on the job.

The magazine Vanity Fair cited sources familiar with the case as saying Fox would pay the multi- million-dollar sum to the journalist and former Miss America.

A statement by the parent firm 21st Century Fox said: "We sincerely regret and apologise for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve."

The lawsuit led to the resignation of the politically powerful Mr Ailes, a confidant of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch who helped build Fox into a cable news leader.

Ms Carlson said she was "gratified" with the settlement, adding: "I'm ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace."

Mr Ailes denied allegations that he had sought to pressure Ms Carlson into a sexual relationship, but the lawsuit led to reports of other women coming forward to support Ms Carlson's allegations of a hostile work environment.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE