News Corp. And Judith Regan Settle Lawsuit About Protecting Giuliani

NEW YORK — The war is over: Judith Regan, the publisher fired in the wake of her efforts to release O.J. Simpson's hypothetical "confession," has settled her $100 million lawsuit with Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.

"The parties are pleased that they have reached an equitable, confidential settlement, with no admission of liability by any party," according to a joint statement issued Friday.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many gifted people and am looking forward to my next venture," Regan, who filed a $100 million defamation suit last November, said in a statement.

Regan's ReganBooks imprint at HarperCollins published a long list of racy best sellers, including Jose Canseco's "Juiced" and Jenna Jameson's "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star." But she was fired in December 2006, less than a month after Murdoch canceled her plans to publish O.J. Simpson's allegedly fictional murder confession, "If I Did It." The book and a companion Fox television interview were greeted with widespread public outrage.

"Ms. Regan is a talented publisher who created many award-winning and best-selling books during her twelve and a half years at the company," the company said in a statement. "News Corp. thanks Ms. Regan for her outstanding contributions and wishes her continued success."

At the time of her firing, when she still had more than two years on her contract, News Corp. alleged that Regan made anti-Semitic comments to a company lawyer during an angry telephone conversation.

"This charge was completely fabricated," according to Regan's lawsuit.

"After carefully considering the matter, we accept Ms. Regan's position that she did not say anything that was anti-Semitic in nature, and further believe that Ms. Regan is not anti-Semitic," News Corp. said Friday.

Regan had also accused her former employers of asking her to lie to federal investigators about Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner who was once her lover, and had tried to smear her.

Regan said the smear campaign stems from her past intimate relationship with Kerik, who was police commissioner under former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and from the political agenda of News Corp.

Giuliani, a Republican, appointed Kerik police commissioner and recommended him to President Bush for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik had to withdraw his nomination after it was revealed he had not reported the wages he paid to a nanny. He was indicted last November, days before Regan filed her lawsuit, on counts including accusations of lying to the White House and filing false income tax returns. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Comments

[TNFarmer]

Uh, while I don't particularly like any of the persons mentioned, and think publishing OJ's book is beyond ridiculous, isn't the headline very misleading? I read nothing in the article about anyone trying to protect Giuliani - OJ's stupid "book," first alleged/now denied anti-semitic remarks, and bed partner are all I saw relating to the settlement. Come on, people, be honest and forthright in your headlines.

[longislandlol]

They had to settle before the make or break rudy floridumb vote-- rudy knows that the transplanted newyorkers in Floridumb have been covering this news story-- and now that it's settled -- bet the name Bernie won't be appearing till after the Repub nominee for Pres. is announced-- seems that the Fox machine is paying their public relations people overtime to spin this one ---they are so desperate to have rudy win that State--- they don't seem to want anyone other than the rude on FOX-- they actually gush over him-- it's so transparent............

[lornejl]

Sleaze pays handsomely. If any of you aren't filthy rich ,its because you have let ethics and morals get in your way.

[nick1936]

FALSE NEWS HAD TO PAY FOR COVERING UP FOR SCUMB BALL RUDY

[lisakaz]

I'm not surprised Fox would pay Judith to shut up. Nor surprised she'd take the money. She'd have to settle now while Julie Annie still has a sliver of a chance and Fox can push him hard.

After Florida, who knows, except that the value of shushing could be significantly lower.

[watchingthings]

Rupert is an Honest [not sleezy] business man who works very hard [and has too done an honest day's work here and there]. If you believe this....you believe in the tooth fairy too. Rupert and Rudy and scum are all the same.

[nyboomer]

Did any sane person ever imagine this case would in any other fashion? The notion that NewsCorp would permit Regan to release actual dirt on Rudi and Rupert is beyond belief.

This is a game of liar's poker where NewsCorp decided to fold rather than face a judge and jury.

[Steamboater]

So there was something to Regan's suit after all.

[QueensNYC821]

Wow, Giuliani really a rat bastard.

[SpindrainDotCom]

This story is beyond foul... and its players beyond reprehensible.

[MA]

Gotcha by the balls didn't she Rupert!
Good for you Judy!!!

[workingboy]

This is a perfect example of the press release being passed off as journalism, the kind of journalism characteristic of the Crime Family's administration. In another era, we would be told the terms and the amount of the settlement. Here we get an air-kiss write-off. Will she continue to do Kerik? Am surprised HuffPo would waste space with this absence of narrative but then this is a time when Mary Kate is named First Responder of the Year!

[speakingtruth2power]

Undisclosed settlement violates our right to know good gossip!

Hey National Enquirer, get on this!! We need to know the dirt!!!