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Is the movie Bombshell (2019) based on a true story?

Emily Rodriguez Emily Rodriguez Aug 09, 2023 · 2 mins read
Is the movie Bombshell (2019) based on a true story?
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Yes, the movie Bombshell (2019) is based on a true story. It depicts the accounts of several women who worked at Fox News and their experiences of sexual harassment and misconduct by the network’s former CEO, Roger Ailes.

What is the true story behind the movie Bombshell (2019)?

The movie Bombshell (2019) is a dramatized account of the real-life events that transpired at Fox News in 2016. It focuses on the sexual harassment scandal involving the network’s chairman and CEO, Roger Ailes.

The movie follows three key female characters: Megyn Kelly (played by Charlize Theron), Gretchen Carlson (played by Nicole Kidman), and a fictional news producer named Kayla Pospisil (played by Margot Robbie). These women represent a composite of the numerous women who came forward with allegations against Ailes.

The story highlights the toxic work environment at Fox News and the culture of silence and fear that existed within the organization. Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News anchor, files a lawsuit against Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. This inspires others, including Megyn Kelly, to speak out about their own experiences.

As the film progresses, we see the challenges faced by these women who risk their careers, reputations, and personal lives by coming forward. They face immense pressure from their colleagues, face smear campaigns, and confront the realities of systemic sexism within the media industry.

The movie shows how the scandal unfolded, ultimately leading to Roger Ailes’ resignation from Fox News in July 2016. The real-life event sparked a larger conversation about workplace harassment and abuse, and its impact was felt beyond the news industry.

However, it is important to note that while the movie is based on real events, some characters and storylines have been fictionalized or combined for dramatic purposes. The film primarily aims to shed light on the experiences of the women involved and to raise awareness about the systemic issues they faced.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Bombshell (2019)?

Yes, there are several books that explore the true story behind the movie Bombshell (2019), which focuses on the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News. Here are a few notable ones:

  1. “The Loudest Voice in the Room: Fox News and the Making of America” by Gabriel Sherman: This book provides an in-depth look at the life and career of Roger Ailes, the former Chairman and CEO of Fox News, who is a central figure in the movie.

  2. “Settle for More” by Megyn Kelly: Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News anchor portrayed in the movie, wrote this memoir discussing her experiences at Fox News, including her encounters with Ailes.

  3. “Hot Copy: Inside the Glamorous, Sometimes Deadly, World of TV Journalism” by Judd Rose: This book offers a broader exploration of the world of TV journalism, discussing the challenges faced by women in the industry, including incidents like those depicted in the movie.

These books may not directly focus on the events portrayed in the movie, but they provide valuable insight into the broader context and the individuals involved.

You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those

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Emily Rodriguez
Written by Emily Rodriguez
Making waves wherever I go