Shepard Smith Opens Up

The Fox News Anchor Shepard Smith has opened up about his sexuality in a recent interview with the Huffington Post. He went on the interview to specifically defend the former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes from any claims that had prevented him from being candid about his sexuality while working at the conservative news network.

Smith states that it has been painful to be betrayed by Ailes, but he never made homophobic remarks around him. Ailes, 76, treated him with respect and gave him many opportunities to succeed.

This all comes after Ailes was forced to leave after some sexual harassment claims were made by Gretchen Carlson another Fox News Host. Smith still backs Ailes, even in the wake of these claims, relying on his own experience with the CEO. David Shepard Smith Jr., admits that the network does have enemies and some things can be personal and scarring, even horrifying to go through, but he never experienced it personally.

David Shepard “Shep” Smith, Jr., was named after his father a cotton merchant, David Shepard Smith, Sr. The masculine name David is taken from the Hebrew name Dawid, which is most likely derived from the Hebrew word dwd that means “beloved”.

The name David has been used since the Middle Ages in Britain, especially in Wales. It has been used to honor a saint, the 5th-century patron of Wales. Plus, it has been given to two kings and other notable people, like David Hume the empiricist philosopher.