Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Assault by Former Fox News Producer
A lawsuit filed on Monday by Andrew Delancey, a former Fox News employee, accuses Justin Wells, a top producer associated with Tucker Carlson, of sexual assault back in 2008. Delancey, a previous producer for a Fox News affiliate service, claims Wells promised career advancement but instead assaulted him.
Filing and Venue Change
The summons was initially lodged in a New York State court on Nov. 22, just before the cutoff under the state’s Adult Survivors Act. This Act allowed individuals a one-time opportunity to file civil lawsuits for past assaults. The complete complaint was unveiled on Monday, shifted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Defendants Named in Lawsuit
Besides Wells, the lawsuit targets Fox News and its parent company, Fox Corporation, as defendants. Wells was dismissed from Fox News in April following the network’s substantial defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, and he currently collaborates with Carlson on a show featured on the social media platform X.
Responses and Statements
Fox News hasn’t immediately responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit. Harmeet Dhillon, Wells’s lawyer, labeled the lawsuit as baseless and stated Wells would contest the allegations. Carlson, in a general statement, highlighted the need for immediate reporting in cases of sex crimes and questioned the timing of the civil suit, emphasizing a lack of seriousness due to the delayed action.
Details of the Allegation
The lawsuit outlines how Wells purportedly showered Delancey with gifts and offered career assistance upon his arrival in New York City. It further describes an incident where Wells, then a field producer for Greta Van Susteren, allegedly assaulted Delancey in his apartment building, initiating unwanted physical contact.
Career Hindrance and Past Attempts at Reporting
The complaint also suggests that after threats from Wells, Delancey felt his career stagnated at Fox, contrary to promised advancements. In 2017, amid the #MeToo movement, Delancey mentioned his experience on Facebook without directly naming Wells. A former colleague corroborated the incident, but when Wells reached out on Facebook, Delancey chose not to engage.
Correction to Clarify Position
An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated Wells’s position at Fox News in 2008, which has been rectified. He was a field producer for Greta Van Susteren and not the senior executive producer of “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” as mentioned erroneously.
