Fox News host Eric Bolling suspended over 'lewd messages'

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Eric Bolling is a long-time host at Fox News

US television network Fox News has suspended one of its presenters after he was accused of sending lewd photographs to three female co-workers.

Eric Bolling, a long-time host at the network, allegedly sent the messages on separate occasions several years ago.

His lawyer described the claims as "untrue and terribly unfair". Fox News said an investigation was under way.

The conservative cable news outlet has been hit by several high-profile harassment cases recently.

Citing 14 unnamed sources, , a politically liberal news site, reports that Mr Bolling sent unsolicited photos of male genitalia by text message to at least two colleagues at Fox Business and one at Fox News.

"Eric Bolling has been suspended pending the results of an investigation, which is currently under way," a Fox News spokesperson said.

Mr Bolling's lawyer, Michael Bowe, told Reuters news agency: "The anonymous, uncorroborated claims are untrue and terribly unfair.

"We intend to fully co-operate with the investigation so that it can be concluded and Eric can return to work as quickly as possible."

Other allegations of sexual harassment involving top Fox News stars recently included:

  • Bill O'Reilly, who was dropped from the channel in April following reports that five women had received $13m (拢10m) in payouts because of his behaviour. He denied the allegations
  • Roger Ailes, who resigned as chairman of Fox News following several accusations of harassment by female employees, which he denied. He died in May