Greta Van Susteren, who was outed as a Scientologist in 1998, is now out at Fox News, suddenly quitting and sparking theories.
CNN reported Tuesday: “The network did not provide a reason for Van Susteren’s exit, but sources said the veteran host had been seeking to renegotiate the terms of her contract since former Fox News chief Roger Ailes resigned in late July amid sexual harassment allegations.
“Like many Fox News hosts, Van Susteren had a ‘key man’ clause in her contract that allowed her to leave if Ailes did. When she was unable to renegotiate her contract, she chose to activate that clause.”
On Facebook, Van Susteren wrote that Fox “has not felt like home to me for a few years and I took advantage of the clause in my contract which allows me to leave now. … I hope to continue my career in broadcasting.”
Also Tuesday, 21st Century Fox announced a $20 million settlement deal with Gretchen Carlson, the anchorwoman who sued Ailes for sexual harassment and launched the controversy that led to his ouster.
That prompted a Twitter comment: “Greta Van Susteren quits on the day @FoxNews settles. It’s confusing to Scientologists to belong to an organization that accepts any blame.”
Social media chatter and coverage:
My reporting on Carlson settlement and Greta departure https://t.co/HR0gARQE4x
— Gabriel Sherman (@gabrielsherman) September 6, 2016
Fox News’ Brit Hume will take over Greta Van Sustern’s “On The Record” beginning tonight https://t.co/cG4ke4QTwe pic.twitter.com/3dX6ATwxpE
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 6, 2016
I’m guessing Greta was just too fair to Trump to remain on FoxNews. She’s gone, Hume (Trump hater) replaces her.
— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) September 6, 2016
STATEMENT: @greta will depart Fox News after 14 years with network; @brithume named anchor of “On the Record” pic.twitter.com/DtzAEmWa82
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) September 6, 2016
My record of never once watching Greta van Susteren’s show will forever remain perfect. https://t.co/qfm2vwRH0i
— Bruce Bartlett (@BruceBartlett) September 6, 2016
Update: A source close to the situation tells me Greta’s exit was due to a financial disagreement. https://t.co/VPXKm2fmHm
— Kyle Blaine (@kyletblaine) September 6, 2016
Greta Van Susteren is leaving @FoxNews today. Hmmmm I wonder where she’ll go. Trump campaign? She’s already working for him sooo.
— Deport Trump (@puppymnkey) September 6, 2016