Former anchor sues Fox News exec over alleged sexual advances

NEW YORK -- Former Fox News Channel anchor Gretchen Carlson is suing network chief executive Roger Ailes, claiming she was fired after refusing his sexual advances.

Fox News representatives did not immediately return requests for comment on the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Superior Court in New Jersey's Bergen County.

Carlson, the former host of a daytime show at Fox, alleged a pattern of discriminatory behavior at Fox.

She says she was fired in June. She says that happened nine months after Ailes told her that "you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago."

The 50-year-old Carlson was Miss America in 1989. She spent 11 years at Fox.

FOX News Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes issued the following statement about the allegations

"Gretchen Carlson's allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network's decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, FOX News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11 year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously."