After an "extensive internal investigation," Roger Ailes, the chief executive of Fox News, fired one of his longest-serving and closest associates, the network confirmed Tuesday.

Brian Lewis, the now-former executive vice president of communications at the network, was fired on July 25 after the discovery of "financial issues" and "multiple material and significant breaches of his employment contract," a Fox News spokesman confirmed in a statement. Lewis has been referred to as Ailes's "right-hand man."

Roger Ailes, Chairman & CEO, FOX News & FOX Business attends the 2012 Ailes Apprentice Class graduation ceremony at FOX Studios on November 15, 2012 in New York City. Credit: Getty Images

Politico provides the full statement:

After an extensive internal investigation of Brian Lewis' conduct by Fox News, it was determined that he should be terminated for cause, specifically for issues relating to financial irregularities, as well as for multiple, material and significant breaches of his employment contract. He was terminated for cause on July 25.

Lewis was one of the original executives brought on by Ailes when he launched Fox News in 1996, Politico reports, "first as vice president of media relations, then senior vice president and, since 2006, as executive vice president."

Lewis's firing was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday. The report claims that Ailes and Lewis's "close relationship made it difficult for Ailes to cut Lewis loose."

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