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Former Fox News reporter says in lawsuit network fired him after challenging Jan. 6 coverage

Ex-employee Jason Donner says in lawsuit he was part of "purge" of employees who refused to report only stories that would "appease" Trump, his supporters.

Published: November 14, 2023 7:32am

Updated: November 14, 2023 7:53am

Former Fox News reporter and producer Jason Donner says in a lawsuit the network targeted, then fired him for challenging claims about the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. 

Donner says in the suit, which was moved to federal court Monday, that he was part of a "purge" of employees who refused to report only stories that would "appease" former President Donald Trump and his supporters, according to The Associated Press

Donner says while inside of the Capitol when demonstrators breached the building, he called the Fox control room and used expletives as he told them, "You're gonna get us all killed," for reporting that the demonstration was "peaceful," the lawsuit states.

Donner said he pressed forward with his complaints after Jan. 6, and he was eventually accused of being irresponsible for calling in sick as he recovered from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, per the lawsuit. He was fired in 2022.

He alleges he was unlawfully retaliated against. It's unclear how much Donner is seeking in damages. 

A Fox News spokesperson did not immediately return Just the News' request for comment regarding the lawsuit.

Fox has faced several lawsuits this year, including one from the New York City pension funds over 2020 election coverage and another from Dominion Voting Systems on the same issue that ended in a settlement reportedly worth nearly $800 billion. Fox also settled a lawsuit with former senior producer Abby Grossberg, who had accused the outlet of creating a sexist work environment. 

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