Britt McHenry, a former ESPN host and reporter, has taken on a new role within the U.S. Department of State, serving as a press advisor. The announcement came on Wednesday, with McHenry sharing her excitement about joining the nation’s principal foreign relations agency.
New Role in Public Service
McHenry confirmed her appointment via social media, posting an image of herself in front of the official seal in the White House Press Briefing Room. She expressed her honor in serving the State Department, describing it as the country’s highest diplomatic institution. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “I am honored to serve as a newly appointed press advisor to the State Department, our country’s highest diplomatic institution. Proud to serve for and work alongside some truly incredible people.”
Expanding on her new position in a LinkedIn post, McHenry conveyed her enthusiasm for the career transition. “I am beyond excited to start this new chapter today and am thankful to every person who helped me in pursuing and achieving this opportunity,” she stated. “For 17 years, I have worked on camera covering the news. Now, I get to take that experience and apply it to our country’s highest diplomatic agency.”
McHenry also noted her admiration for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating, “As a fellow Floridian, I have followed and admired Secretary Marco Rubio’s political career from its inception to the outstanding leadership he shows today in the Administration. He has appointed an exceptional staff, and I look forward to serving them and our nation.”
A Career Marked by Transitions and Legal Challenges
This appointment signifies a new phase in McHenry’s career, which has previously involved notable public incidents and legal disputes. After a three-year tenure as a Washington D.C.-based reporter for ESPN, she departed the network in 2017 amidst company-wide layoffs.
During her time at ESPN, McHenry faced public scrutiny in 2015 following an incident where she was captured on security footage verbally confronting a towing company employee. She later issued an apology, acknowledging that her emotions had gotten the better of her in a stressful situation.
Following her departure from ESPN, McHenry increasingly engaged in right-wing political commentary, making appearances on platforms such as Fox News Media and Fox 5 D.C. Her career took a significant turn in 2019 when she filed a lawsuit against Fox News and co-host George “Tyrus” Murdoch, alleging sexual harassment.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in a New York district court, detailed allegations that Tyrus, whose real name is George Murdoch, had sent McHenry sexually explicit text messages over several months in 2018 while they worked together on the show “Un-PC.” McHenry claimed that these actions, coupled with alleged retaliation from Fox Nation executive Jennifer Rauchet after she raised concerns, led to “humiliation, emotional anguish, derailment of her career and significant loss of economic opportunities.” Tyrus and Fox News denied the allegations.
The legal proceedings concluded in 2021 when both parties agreed to a confidential settlement, leading to the voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit. At the time, McHenry expressed pride in standing up for her rights and hoped to empower other women. Fox News Media stated they were pleased to resolve the matter without further litigation, expressing confidence in their position had the case proceeded. Tyrus’s attorney indicated satisfaction with the settlement, noting the claims against his client would be dismissed with prejudice.
Moving Forward
McHenry’s new role at the State Department represents a significant pivot, leveraging her media experience in a government communications capacity. Her public career has been characterized by high-profile roles and notable challenges, and this latest development marks a new chapter in her professional journey.
