Final Claim Dismissed in Fox News Legal Battle

A federal judge in Washington has dismissed the final remaining claim in a lawsuit filed against Fox News by former journalist Jason Donner. The ruling marks the conclusion of a legal dispute involving allegations of sick leave law violations and claims of political retaliation.

The Sick Leave Dispute

Donner, who was terminated by the network in 2022, had alleged that Fox News violated the District of Columbia’s sick leave law. However, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled in favor of the network, determining that Donner’s conduct was not protected under the statute.

The court noted that Fox News maintains a policy requiring employees to notify a supervisor of an illness as soon as possible, and no later than two hours after their scheduled start time. Donner was accused of failing to provide proper notice and engaging in a contentious, unflattering phone conversation with his supervisor regarding the matter.

Allegations of Political Retaliation

Earlier in the proceedings, Donner claimed he was fired as part of a broader "purge" of staff members. He alleged the network targeted employees who refused to report information solely to "appease" former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Donner stated that he was present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. He reported that he contacted the control room to protest when he learned the network was characterizing the rioters as peaceful.

Court's Stance on Editorial Independence

Addressing the claims of political termination, the court clarified the boundaries of employment law. The ruling stated that while Donner suggested he was fired for opposing the network's reporting, no established public policy prevents a private entity like Fox from ending an employment relationship due to disagreements over editorial decisions.