Fox News chairman Roger Ailes will not be deposed in a $4.5 million lawsuit resulting from Fox Business Network’s decision not to pick up a reality series. New York state judge Barry Ostrager told The Wrap Ailes will not face a deposition “at this time.”
A production company, Leftfield Pictures, sued Fox, claiming production had begun on the series for FBN when the network terminated the agreement.
“The judge this morning refused to allow Mr. Ailes or his assistant to be deposed at this time thus vindicating Fox News’ claim of harassment,” the outside counsel representing Fox Business Network said in a statement.
UPDATE, 8:55 p.m. ET: Leftfield Pictures has responded to Fox News with a statement to TVNewser:
“Fox News has once again proven to be misleading and inaccurate. The fact is that the Judge ruled that Leftfield should take its other depositions first and then, if we still have a good faith belief that Ailes and Laterza are relevant, provide notice to take their depositions as well.”