Fox News settles sexual assault complaint

NEW YORK (AP) - Fox News Channel's parent company has reportedly fired an executive and paid more than $2.5 million to settle a sexual assault complaint made by a former network contributor.

The network said that Tamara Holder, a lawyer who would often offer a democratic point of view in Fox segments, last September told them about the incident, which had taken place a year earlier. The New York Times said Thursday that that the executive tried to force Holder to perform oral sex when they were alone in his office.

In a joint statement with Holder, Fox said 21st Century Fox "promptly investigated the matter and took decisive action, for which Ms. Holder thanks the network."

Francisco Cortes, vice president for Fox News Latino, lost his job because of the incident. Cortes' lawyer, Jay Sanchez, told The Associated Press that he had told Cortes not to comment and that "I am presently considering Mr. Cortes' legal options."

Holder left the network when her contract expired at the end of the year. Fox said it is grateful to Holder for her contributions and wishes her continued success.

Fox would not comment on the amount of the settlement, which was reported in the Times.

Holder's case comes after Fox News' former top executive, Roger Ailes, left the network last summer following accusations he had made unwanted sexual advances against women. Ailes has denied the charges.