Broadcast producer Justin Wells has been described as Tucker Carlson’s “right-hand man.” In April, Wells joined Carlson in leaving Fox News.
Now, in a blow to the show, Wells stands accused of sexually assaulting Fox News Edge Regional Producer Andrew Delancey.
Delancey filed a complaint in federal court Monday, and he alleges a number of sexual assaults in 2008.
Wells venomously denies the allegations and said he will fight the claims in court.
“This meritless legal action was filed 15 years after the alleged incident and mere days before the extended statute of limitations would have run. Mr. Wells denies the allegations unequivocally, and will contest them vigorously,” defense attorney Harmeet Dhillon told Mediaite in a statement.
“This is yet another attempt by a law firm with a history of suing Fox and its former employees to cash in on frivolous allegations.”
At the time, Wells was working under Fox News host Greta Van Susteren. After the alleged assault, Welles helped to create Tucker Carlson Tonight and became a more senior producer.
Delancey alleges Wells invited him to his apartment for a “pre-game,” a phrase implying the presence of other people. Instead, Delancey said he was lured into his empty apartment and sexually assaulted.
“Wells aggressively pushed Mr. Delancey onto his bed where he violently forced his tongue into Mr. Delancey’s mouth,” the complaint alleges.
“Wells quickly began unbuttoning and trying to rip of Mr. Delancey’s jeans as the sexual assault progressed. Simultaneously, Wells aggressively grabbed Mr. Delancey’s genitals causing him severe pain… Mr. Delancey was in complete shock. He yelled out, ‘No!'”
Delancey’s legal team claimed the Fox Corporation was “a workplace where sexual harassment notoriously runs rampant.”
Delancey is represented by the law firm Filippatos PLLC. The firm is known for representing Fox News producer Abby Grossberg in her suit alleging antisemitism and gender discrimination. Grossberg settled her suit in June for $12 million.
He sued in civil court under the Adult Survivors Act, which spells out exceptions to the statute of limitations.
The Horn editorial team