Gretchen Carlson's lawyers contacted by 10 women after Roger Ailes suit: CNN

Attorneys for former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson were contacted by 10 women in the wake of their lawsuit against the network's CEO, Roger Ailes, CNN's Brian Stelter reported on Wednesday afternoon.

"I just spoke with one of the attorneys involved in Carlson's suit," Stelter said in video posted by Media Matters, adding that the women reached out "because they say they also have stories to share about treatment by Roger Ailes."

Stelter did point out that the women have not joined the lawsuit filed by Carlson on Wednesday.

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Carlson said in her lawsuit that she was fired in response to both denying Ailes' sexual overtures and objecting to what she called "severe and pervasive harassment" during her 11-year career working for the conservative news network.

Stelter pointed out that neither Fox nor Ailes have commented on the suit, and that the network has not covered Carlson's allegations.

"This is a story that could have big ramifications for Fox News because Ailes has been in charge ever since it launched," he said. "You could say he rules the network with an iron fist. And he is beloved by a lot of staffers there, but he is not known for being politically correct."

Update:Politico reported that both 21st Century Fox and Ailes released statements, with the latter calling Carlson's lawsuit retaliation for her contract not being renewed due to "disappointingly low ratings."

"When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit," Ailes stated. "Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11 year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously."

Meanwhile, 21st Century Fox said in its statement that it had started "an internal review" of Carlson's allegations against both Ailes and Fox and Friends co-host Steve Doocy.

Watch Stelter's remarks, as posted by Media Matters, below.