Chapter 650

On February 25th, former FOX News anchorwoman Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey Supreme Court. She accused FOX News Chairman Roger Ailes of attempting to proposition her. In retaliation, after she refused him, he retaliated by firing her. Specific actions included putting immense pressure on her to engage in sexual transactions in exchange for career advancement, marginalizing and suppressing her, and creating barriers in the workplace.

Gretchen Carlson had been the host of the flagship FOX News show Real Story for 11 years.

Gretchen Carlson's revelation sent shockwaves, putting Roger Ailes of FOX News in the hot seat. Having managed FOX News for over a decade, Ailes had created a hypersexualized culture within the network that demeaned and objectified women.

In the evening, Charles Cape attended the 83rd Academy Awards, joining the crew of Black Swan.

Backstage at the Kodak Theatre, Charles and his mother, Evelyn Capet, watched the Oscars on TV. The award ceremony was long, and Charles couldn't sit in the theater the whole time.

"I hear Kodak is struggling; this place might get renamed soon," Charles joked with his mother. Kodak had secured the naming rights for 20 years, but within just ten years from 2002, the company was nearing bankruptcy.

Evelyn glanced at her son, now in no mood to talk about such things. "Does the thing with former FOX News anchor Gretchen Carlson and Roger Ailes have anything to do with you?"

"Nope," Charles shook his head. "I just sent some info to a few folks in Washington."

"Filing the lawsuit on the night of the Oscars, interesting," Evelyn remarked. She had always hoped her son wouldn't get too deeply involved in politics, but it seemed things turned out differently.

"Are you confident? You know Roger Ailes is cherished by the conservative crowd," Evelyn reminded.

Under Ailes's management, FOX News had the largest viewership among older white men, who were staunch supporters of conservative forces. Ailes also packed FOX News with blonde, long-legged, sexy female hosts, encouraging them to wear body-hugging outfits or do even more daring acts to draw viewers' attention.

"Gretchen Carlson is just the beginning. Next up, we'll likely see Megyn Kelly step forward," Charles chuckled.

"Then, how will Rupert Murdoch, who's already overwhelmed by the phone-hacking scandal in the UK, handle this?"

"Charles, you know the earthquake effect in the entertainment media. Could this--"

Charles shook his head, "No, this is confined to the news industry. If anyone in Hollywood tries to move on it, I'll blacklist them. Washington has already sent through MPAA their sentiments. Hollywood needs stability."

Evelyn sighed, "Indeed, several talent agencies have gotten the message, and big-name actors won't speak out. Dear, my worry is those new stars seeking their chance to shine."

"If the newcomers are willing to gamble their careers for an opportunity, they first have to see if reality gives them a chance." Charles was not concerned about newcomers; the media wouldn't pay much attention to them, let alone the public.

Without public attention, how could there be a wave of opinion?

"Well, I'm heading back. I need to hold a meeting with the execs tomorrow," Evelyn Capet had no intention of letting EDR get involved in a political storm.

"But the Oscar awards just started half an hour ago," Charles expressed his surprise. "Don't you want to see your son win an award?"

Evelyn waved her hand and smiled, "I'll watch on TV!"

At that moment, Kate Blanchett, who was presenting the awards for Best Makeup and Best Costume Design, came in.

"Charles, good evening!"

"Oh, good evening, Kate. You look beautiful tonight," Charles hugged Kate Blanchett as she walked over.

"Thank you," Kate Blanchett said while pointing towards Evelyn, "Is your mother leaving the theater?"

"Yeah, she's not feeling too well," Charles said offhandedly.

"Really?" Kate Blanchett nodded and said, "I'm going to the restroom."

After Kate Blanchett left, Charles went to the bar and found Emily Blunt ordering a drink.

"Emily, there's no need to drink just because you didn't win Best Supporting Actress," Charles joked as he sat down.

Emily Blunt had been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Black Swan.

"No, my throat's been sore from practicing singing all the lines in Les Miserables," Emily Blunt laughed and shook her head.

"I heard you turned down several scripts for Les Miserables," Charles patted her shoulder. "The pull of Les Miserables must be strong!"

"Of course, it's the musical adaptation of Les Miserables. And tonight, The King's Speech, directed by Tom Hooper, is likely to win Best Director and Best Picture," Emily Blunt said noncommittally.

As the awards ceremony progressed, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award was the fourth to last given, presented by veteran actress Annette Bening. Charles Cape gave the shortest acceptance speech on the Oscar stage, simply saying, "Thank you!"

*****

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