Tampa, FL – May 23, 2025, 05:46 AM ET – Former Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy has found himself at the center of a media storm after reports surfaced that he allegedly promised his daughter-in-law, Hillary Vaughn, a staggering 10-figure bonus if she gave birth to a son, only to require her to sign a contract nullifying the deal if she delivered a daughter. The revelation, tied to the birth of Vaughn and Peter Doocy’s children, has ignited debates about family dynamics and gender expectations among the Fox News family.
The controversy emerged when an anonymous source leaked details of a purported agreement dated late 2022, shortly after Peter Doocy, 37, a Fox News White House correspondent, and Vaughn, 34, a Fox Business reporter, announced their first pregnancy. According to the source, Doocy, 68, who stepped back from daily hosting duties in May 2025 to focus on special projects from Florida, offered Vaughn a bonus reportedly exceeding $10 billion—contingent on the birth of a grandson. However, the contract allegedly included a clause stating that if the child was a girl, the agreement would be voided, leaving Vaughn with no financial incentive.
Vaughn and Peter welcomed their daughter, Bridget Blake Doocy, on February 1, 2023, followed by their son, George Jack Doocy, on April 16, 2025. The couple has remained silent on the allegations, but the leak has fueled speculation about Doocy’s intentions. A family insider suggested Doocy, known for his humor and cookbooks, might have intended it as a jest, saying, “Steve’s always been a prankster, but this feels like it went too far.” The timing aligns with Doocy’s excitement over becoming a grandfather, as he publicly celebrated Bridget’s birth and later George’s arrival, even joking about a bird attack preceding George’s birth.
Critics on X have slammed the alleged contract as outdated and misogynistic, with one user posting, “Steve Doocy offering billions for a boy but nothing for a girl? This is 1950s nonsense.” Another added, “If true, it’s a disgrace—Hillary’s a star reporter, not a bargaining chip.” Supporters argue it could be a misinterpretation, with a defender writing, “Knowing Steve, this might be a gag gone wrong. He adores his grandkids, boy or girl!”
Doocy has not commented directly, but a Fox News spokesperson stated, “This appears to be a private family matter taken out of context. Steve remains focused on his new role and family.” The contract’s legality is under scrutiny, with legal experts questioning its enforceability, given the astronomical sum and lack of public disclosure. Vaughn, who endured 30 hours of labor for George, has continued her reporting duties, recently covering tax issues on Capitol Hill, showing resilience amid the uproar.
The story has overshadowed Doocy’s recent transition to a part-time role, where he co-hosts from across the U.S., including diners and pickleball courts. As the Doocy family navigates this controversy, the leaked agreement has raised eyebrows, blending their public persona with an unexpected personal twist that continues to unfold.