Mercedes Colwin, a prominent legal analyst for Fox News and an expert in employment law, specializing in the defense of corporate executives in harassment cases, found herself at the center of a significant controversy. This ultimately led to her stepping down from her position as managing partner at the New York office of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, a major national law firm. The shift in her career trajectory followed contentious remarks made during an appearance on Sean Hannity’s Fox News program.
Colwin’s appearance on Hannity’s show was to discuss the unfolding allegations against Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, reported by the Washington Post, concerning his relationships with teenage girls, including accusations of molestation of a 14-year-old. During the segment, Colwin asserted that women “definitely” fabricate sexual harassment claims for financial gain from corporations. When Hannity mentioned that some women are indeed victims of predators, Colwin countered by stating that genuine victims are “very few and far between.” These comments immediately sparked widespread criticism and backlash.
Following the public outcry, Colwin attempted to clarify her statements after being contacted for comment. She claimed that her intention was not to diminish the impact of sexual harassment on victims. In a subsequent tweet, she further explained that her “few and far between” comment was specifically in the context of civil sexual harassment cases she had handled as an attorney and administrative law judge for the New York State Division of Human Rights.
Despite these attempts at clarification, the repercussions were significant for Colwin at Gordon & Rees. The firm, one of the largest in the United States, swiftly distanced itself from her remarks. Managing Partner Don Cominos issued a firm-wide email explicitly condemning Colwin’s statements. The email emphasized that Gordon & Rees unequivocally disagreed with any statements that could minimize the seriousness of sexual harassment and predatory behavior, directly contradicting the sentiment conveyed during the broadcast. Cominos stressed that, regrettably, many women experience such misconduct in their personal and professional lives, a stark contrast to Colwin’s on-air assessment.
While Mercedes Colwin relinquished her management role at Gordon & Rees, she remained a partner at the firm. This allowed her to continue her legal practice, notably in defending those accused of predatory behavior. The controversy surrounding her Hannity appearance serves as a significant event in her professional life, highlighting the severe consequences that can arise from public statements, particularly in sensitive and socially charged areas like sexual harassment. The incident underscores the importance of careful consideration and sensitivity in public discourse, especially for individuals in prominent professional positions.
