Fox News compiled secret 'oppo file' to use against Tucker Carlson if he doesn't go out quietly, sources say
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Fox News has apparently compiled a secret "oppo file" to use against Tucker Carlson should he wage a war against the news outlet after his recent firing. Carlson, 53, was abruptly fired on Monday, April 24, after 14 years with the network.
Insiders have claimed Fox News is prepared to publish the alleged dossier on the veteran news anchor if he turns on his former employer. There are also claims that Carlson and Fox News executives parted ways on the "worst" and "messiest" terms possible, despite the network painting his sudden departure as amicable.
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'It’s classic Fox'
Fox's communications department, which is led by Irena Briganti, compiled the alleged "oppo file" against Carlson during his tenure with the network, sources told Rolling Stone. “Irena will never be shy about using these things,” an insider told the outlet. “Irena tries to keep a file on everybody,” another former Fox News anchor, who wasn't named in the report, alleged. “Any talent like Tucker would have a lot of things; other people complaining. They encourage it and then just keep it on file. It’s just a classic dirty trick.” Yet another former network host added, “[Briganti] keeps files on everybody to screw with them. It’s classic Fox.”
What are the contents of the alleged 'oppo file'?
While the exact contents of the alleged file are unknown, a person familiar with the matter told Business Insider that Fox unearthed more damaging information while preparing for the Dominion lawsuit (which they settled for $787 million) than had previously been reported. At least three of the sources who spoke to Rolling Stone insisted the alleged "oppo file" against Carlson contains “internal complaints regarding workplace conduct,” “disparaging comments about management and colleagues,” and “allegations that the now-former primetime host created a toxic work environment.” One current Fox News employee added, “Irena is Fox’s fighter. She is very good at her job. I gotta believe she’s ready to fight Tucker if/when he takes this war publicly."
Fox News denies claims
A spokesperson for Fox News has vehemently denied the existence of the alleged 'oppo file' on Carlson and instead thanked the veteran host for his 14 years of “service” to the network. “This is patently absurd and categorically false,” they told Rolling Stone regarding the alleged file. “We thank Tucker for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.” MEAWW previously reported how Fox News announced Carlson parted ways with the network on Monday morning. "Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor," the network said in a statement, adding, “Mr Carlson’s last program was Friday, April 21st. Fox News Tonight will air live at 8 PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating FOX News personalities until a new host is named."