Chapter 654: Political Opinions

On March 10th, under the pressure of public opinion, 71-year-old Roger Ailes, chairman and CEO of Fox News, announced his resignation.

New York, Long Island.

Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes sat in an office. A tired Rupert Murdoch drank a cup of coffee, "I've already sent people to talk to Gretchen Carlson, to get her to withdraw the lawsuit. If 10 million dollars won't do it, offer 20 million. As for you, News Corp will give you a significant severance package!"

Roger Ailes nodded, "This is clearly a political conflict, targeting Fox News directly. Charles Capet is also part of it, treating me like Harvey Weinstein did. Now, he willingly sides with those in Washington!"

"Enough, we lost, and that's that," Rupert Murdoch waved his hand. Roger Ailes had previously faced accusations and complaints, but News Corp always settled things with money.

But this time was different. Public opinion had escalated, and Roger Ailes had to leave!

"Remember, once you get home, don't interact with the media," Rupert Murdoch reminded him...

...

Los Angeles, Burbank, at Capet Universal headquarters.

Charles sat on the sofa reading the newspaper. After Roger Ailes left Fox News, Rupert Murdoch did an interview, stating: "These sexual harassment scandals against Fox executives are driven by political disagreements. The purposes behind these actions are highly political, mainly because Fox is a conservative network. Some people in Hollywood played disgraceful roles in this, aiming to gain more influence..."

"Mom, this old guy is basically on the verge of pointing at me and cursing," Charles threw down the newspaper. "Even now, he's still biting back. Isn't it obvious he's saying I want to rule Hollywood?"

Evelyn sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, "Will this affect our plans for Capet Universal's IPO?"

"There'll definitely be some impact. News Corp will surely retaliate against me. He's using me as a scapegoat," Charles rubbed his chin. "But no need to worry. News Corp will soon be too busy with their own problems. Let them bark for a few days, so what? Don't forget, the News Corp hacking scandal is still under investigation. Why did Rupert Murdoch go to London at the start of the year? Because Andy Coulson, the former editor of the News of the World got arrested!"

Andy Coulson left News of the World in 2007 and became the communications chief for the UK Conservative Party.

The royal family reporter Clive Goodman was jailed in 2007 for hacking royal phone messages, directly implicating Andy Coulson who was the editor then.

Even though David Cameron, who appointed Andy Coulson, became the UK's Prime Minister last year!

Evelyn looked at her son, suddenly feeling he was very confident, "Don't tell me, you also had a part in the News Corp hacking scandal?"

"Mom, I just provided some evidence!" Charles quickly shook his head. "Plus, News Corp's big scandal hasn't even come out yet. News Corp has deep networks in the UK's political and business circles. The people behind the scenes are probably still negotiating!"

Evelyn nodded, "News Corp was preparing a full acquisition of Sky TV, but that's likely not happening now."

...

At night, at a private club near Venice Beach in Los Angeles, Charles was drinking with Kate Beckinsale and Scarlett Johansson.

"Charles, are you really going to let me play in Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty?" Kate Beckinsale asked. "I read the script. I'll be playing a CIA agent!"

Charles kissed her, "You've done action movies before. You're beautiful and tough, perfect for this CIA role. Otherwise, do you think Scarlett fits the part?"

As he said this, Charles pinched Scarlett Johansson, who was on his other side.

"Why wouldn't I fit? Black Widow is a spy too, and I can do action scenes," Scarlett Johansson protested. "But I did read the script for Zero Dark Thirty, and this agent role isn't really suitable for me!"

"Right," Charles stroked Kate Beckinsale's thigh, reminding her, "This is a political tribute movie. Don't underestimate these types of films; they can have unexpected benefits."

Kate Beckinsale understood, and Scarlett Johansson also realized these films often win over Washington and get awards!

Kate Beckinsale smiled, "Since you arranged this, it must be a good opportunity. I'll take it seriously."

This year, even though Kate Beckinsale had Iron Man 3 to shoot, she still had time to film Zero Dark Thirty.

Kate Beckinsale planned to finish filming Zero Dark Thirty quickly, then join the Iron Man 3 production team.

Afterwards, Kate Beckinsale kissed Charles passionately. From Underworld to Iron Man, Charles Capet had taken good care of Kate Beckinsale.

After the kiss, Charles chuckled, "Kathryn Bigelow is an Oscar-winning director. She knows how to handle this type of movie."

Logically, Charles wouldn't have looked up to Kathryn Bigelow; she was too artsy. Luckily, it was about Bin Laden, a big deal. Otherwise, Charles wouldn't have agreed.

"I heard Kathryn's Zero Dark Thirty had trouble getting investments. It's likely to be an indie film project. It's Ms. Langley who approved it. Even after winning the Best Director Oscar, she still needed funding for her next film. That's not good!" explained Scarlett Johansson.

Kate Beckinsale smiled and stayed silent. Kathryn Bigelow's commercial appeal was low; her Oscar-winning movie The Hurt Locker only grossed $40 million globally.

She set the record for the lowest-grossing Best Picture Oscar in recent years, and it was probably the only losing Best Picture Oscar.

Now, making a film like Zero Dark Thirty, who would invest? These movies lack commercial appeal.

"There are still people willing to invest. I heard Megan Ellison, a rich second-generation from Silicon Valley, is interested in Kathryn Bigelow's name," Charles said, pulling up the two actresses, "Alright, time to head back..."

*****

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