On Wednesday, Bill O’Reilly, BU alumnus and host of “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News, was fired from Fox News after numerous allegations of sexual harassment.
Although there is some doubt whether O’Reilly really was brought to justice, I believe his forced departure is sending a message far and wide.
But before I talk about the doubt over whether justice has been served, I want to discuss the reactions that happen when things like this happen. Often the doubt over justice originates from a doubt in guilt.
Whenever one of these cases arises, the immediate reaction by the celebrity’s fans is disbelief. Although their only connection to the celebrity is through a television or movie screen, the person’s fans are loyal and sometimes even treat the person as they would a family member. When news comes out that they have done something immoral, the fans are shocked and some I imagine even deny that the possibility of guilt.
When I was growing up, “The O’Reilly Factor” and Fox News were always blaring in the family room. My grandpa watched him almost every night and even read a few of his books. He tried to get me into Fox News but the closest he ever got was convincing me to read O’Reilly’s books “Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot” and “Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency.” You could say O’Reilly was a constant presence in my house. This meant when I heard the news I was shocked. I did not doubt the allegations but was unnerved by them.
The disbelief of guilt by fans cannot last for too long. The facts eventually break the resistance of the fans. They have to come to terms with reality.
There has been some speculation as to whether O’Reilly’s exit is really something worth celebrating as a success. According to CNN, O’Reilly is leaving Fox News with a few million dollars in his pocket. Roger Ailes left Fox News in a similar situation with no legal problems and a paycheck.
With all this taken into account, I still think that O’Reilly’s forced departure is a step in the right direction. While no legal action may be taken, O’Reilly’s reputation is forever marked by his actions.
For many years, celebrities and powerful people got away with their crimes because the victims were intimidated and were told that no one would take them seriously. This has changed recently with Bill Cosby and Ailes, among others. By making public their immoral actions, people are effectively sending a message that this behavior is unacceptable no matter who the person is.
All ethical journalists should follow three main rules: to report facts, to give a voice to the voiceless and to act as a watchdog against corruption and abuses of power.
A journalist’s job is to hold the aggressors accountable. The victims are willing to come out and we are the ones to give them the space to share their story. There can be no ivory tower for celebrities to hide in any longer.
O’Reilly will most likely never work in news media ever again. While O’Reilly is only one case, his forced departure is sending a message: everyone is accountable for their actions.
Excellent commentary!