Fox News parts ways with host Eric Bolling accused of misconduct

Eric Bolling was suspended last month pending an investigation into the accusations against him. PHOTO: TWITTER/ERIC BOLLING

NEW YORK (AFP) - The US cable news network Fox News announced on Friday (Sept 8) its decision to "part ways" with a former host suspended amid allegations he had texted unsolicited lewd images to women co-workers.

"Eric Bolling and Fox have agreed to part ways amicably," a spokeman said, adding that Fox was cancelling the programme he had hosted.

Bolling was suspended last month pending an investigation into the accusations against him. Asked about the probe, the Fox spokesman said: "Outside counsel undertook a privileged review of the allegations."

It was the latest in a string of sexual harassment cases to rock Fox News, America's most watched cable news channel and a favourite among US conservatives.

The suspension followed a HuffPost report that Bolling sent an image of male genitalia to two colleagues at Fox Business and one at Fox News.

The news report said the messages were sent several years ago, on separate occasions.

Last year, Fox News's powerful chairman Roger Ailes left the company following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

And in April this year, the network parted ways with its star anchor Bill O'Reilly following a flood of sexual harassment accusations that triggered a crash in advertising sales.

In July, Jamie Horowitz, who oversaw programming for Fox Sports, was abruptly fired in Los Angeles over allegations of misconduct.

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