Minnesota Native, Former Fox News Anchor To Host #MeToo TV Show

Anoka, Minnesota native and former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson is returning to TV. The ex-Fox & Friends host — who was an early and influential force in the #MeToo movement — will create and host a series of documentary specials for A&E Networks.

The first of these specials, The Brave with Gretchen Carlson (working title) for Lifetime, "will focus on how Gretchen's courageous actions to confront the scourge of sexual harassment in the workplace has served as a catalyst for so many other women to say #MeToo," the company announced Monday.

"It has now been confirmed that our voices are amplified and actually get heard when we stand together, and I am proud to partner with Lifetime to make change happen by presenting the heartbreaking, but previously untold, stories of everyday working women," Carlson said in a statement. "We need to shine a light on the predators and their enablers, rather than ostracizing and blacklisting the innocent victims whose dreams and careers have been destroyed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with A+E Networks on this important project."

Carlson rocked the TV news world in 2016 when she alleged widespread sexual harassment from former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, who eventually resigned after several other women at the network came forward with similar claims. Ailes died in May 2017.

In January, Carlson was elected chairman of the Miss America organization after she called for the entire board to resign following an email scandal.

Carlson's Minnesota credentials are unquestionable. Originally from Anoka, Carlson was babysat by former Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Carlson played the violin for the Minnesota Orchestra when she was 13. She was crowned Miss America in 1989 while representing Minnesota.

In 2006, Carlson became a host of Fox & Friends. She continued to host until 2013. Carlson said Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her and then refused to renew her contract after she declined them. Her civil complaint claims Ailes would ogle her in his office and make off-color remarks about her appearance in passing.

According to Politico, Carlson's lawyers say she was once chastised for answering a question from a hometown newspaper about her favorite Minnesota State Fair food.

Carlson continues to be an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

Photo: Sarah Michelle Gellar (R) visits 'Fox & Friends' with hosts Steve Doocy and Gretchen Carlson at the FOX Studios on June 5, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images)