The comments set off a media firestorm and frustrated Ms. Kelly, who sent an email to Fox News executives complaining about his behavior and the chilling effect it could have on women at the company and beyond, according to four people with knowledge of the email who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.
Despite Ms. Kelly’s complaint, and a plea from a producer that Mr. O’Reilly not be allowed to make similar remarks on his prime-time show, Mr. O’Reilly delivered a second public scolding on the program that night.
“If you don’t like what’s happening in the workplace, go to human resources or leave,” he said.
That experience, along with a deep skepticism about whether the network was truly committed to changing its culture after Mr. Ailes was forced out, was a factor in Ms. Kelly’s decision to leave Fox News for a new role at NBC News, according to two people familiar with the matter.
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