Fox News has a secret file of damaging info on Tucker Carlson in case he starts trashing the network: report
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- Fox News PR keeps an "oppo file" on Tucker Carlson in case he lashes out, Rolling Stone reported.
- One insider told the outlet that such files are kept on all the network's talent.
- Fox denied the report, while a representative for Carlson did not immediately respond.
Fox News' PR chief has a dossier of damaging information on Tucker Carlson to be used in the event that he comes out swinging against the network, Rolling Stone reported.
The news comes in the wake of Carlson's shock departure from the network on Monday, which the outlet described as amicable but which multiple reports have suggested was a surprise to the star.
Eight sources at the network said that corporate communications head Irena Briganti compiled an "oppo file," with two sources saying she was prepared to release information from it if executives think Carlson will attack Fox, per the article.
"Irena will never be shy about using these things," one source familiar with the matter told the outlet.
The contents of the alleged file reported by Rolling Stone are unknown, but a person familiar with the matter told Insider's Claire Atkinson that Fox had found more damaging information during its preparation for the Dominion lawsuit than had previously been reported.
A spokesperson for Fox News told Insider that the notion of the network keeping and using an "oppo file" is "patently absurd and categorically false," while thanking Carlson for his work.
But four former Fox personalities told the outlet that the PR chief keeps similar "dirt files" on all the network's talent.
"Any talent like Tucker would have a lot of things; other people complaining," one source, a former Fox anchor, said.
"They encourage it and then just keep it on file. It's just a classic dirty trick," the person added.
Some grievances against Carlson and his team have recently emerged, with former "Tucker Carlson Tonight" producer Abby Grossberg filing a lawsuit last month which alleged a "sexist" work environment.
In response to the lawsuit, Fox told Insider the allegations have "no merit" and that it would "vigorously defend" the network.
Entertainment lawyer Bryan Freedman, who Carlson has appointed to represent him, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.