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Posted: 2016-07-19T21:10:47Z | Updated: 2017-01-10T22:04:50Z

Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, a towering figure in media and politics for the past half-century, is negotiating his exit from the cable network amidst a spiraling sexual harassment scandal, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Ailes, 76, has long been a kingmaker in Republican politics while running the top-rated news channel, which he launched with media mogul Rupert Murdoch nearly two decades ago. He was seen as untouchable, given his longstanding relationship with Murdoch and his continued business success: Fox News dominates the ratings and brings in more than $1 billion in revenue. And no one inside the network could seriously challenge his power.

But earlier this month, former Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson accused Ailes of sexually harassing her and firing her in retaliation for rebuffing his advances. Carlsons lawsuit set in motion a chaotic couple of weeks at Fox News as six women from Ailes pre-Fox days came forward with similar accusations and others appeared willing to speak out.

Meanwhile, several Fox News stars including Bret Baier, Greta Van Susteren and Neil Cavuto have expressed support for Ailes.

On Monday, New York magazines Gabriel Sherman reported that the elder Murdoch and his sons James and Lachlan, who lead Fox News parent 21st Century Fox, had agreed to remove Ailes, although the timing remained unclear.

Sherman reported on Tuesday that Megyn Kelly, one of the networks biggest stars, had told the law firm investigating Carlsons claims for 21st Century Fox that she, too, had been sexually harassed.

The Ailes ouster story took a confusing turn Tuesday afternoon when The Drudge Report first published an agreement indicating that Ailes would walk away with $40 million and then pulled the supposed agreement. The Daily Beast reported that Fox News initially confirmed Drudges report before walking back that confirmation.

But by Tuesday evening, even the New York Post which, like Ailes, ultimately reports to Murdoch was reporting that Ailes end is near.

Several Fox News personalities tried steering clear of the drama while in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention. Baier, who is working alongside Kelly during Fox News primetime coverage, and senior political analyst Brit Hume quickly walked away Tuesday when approached by a HuffPost reporter.

Fox News didnt immediately return HuffPosts requests for comment.

Roger is at work, a 21st Century Fox spokesman said in a statement. The review is ongoing. And the only agreement that is in place is his existing employment agreement.

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The company statement, noticeably in the present tense, doesnt rule out the possibility that Ailes could officially leave in the coming hours or days.

Andy Campbell and Ryan Grim contributed reporting.

Support Free Journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Support HuffPost