FOX News' Shepard Smith: Roger Ailes treated my boyfriend 'like family' from the day they met

FOX News journalist Shepard Smith gave a lengthy, emotional tribute to former network president Roger Ailes on Thursday, describing a "media genius" with "now well-documented flaws" who became like a father figure throughout Smith's blossoming career.

In a surprisingly personal anecdote, Smith detailed the first time he introduced Ailes and his wife, Elizabeth, to his longtime boyfriend, Gio Graziano. "We had not attended a work function, the two of us together, before," he said. "Beth took my Gio by his arm and gave him a tour of the estate. They'd never met. It was personal, just the two of them."

The meaningful occasion took place at a 2016 Fourth of July party at Ailes' home, just days before former FOX News commentator Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Ailes and the network.

"She and Roger treated Gio and me like family," Smith said. "It was a signal to our Fox team and to everyone else that our relationship is a good thing. Respect it. Roger had, and he did."

Turning then to the bombshell revelations by Carlson and other female FOX employees, Smith continued, "Then last year ... we began to learn of another side of Roger Ailes, another part of his life." Their last-ever conversation took place not long after the news spilled out, and it ended with "I love you."

Ailes resigned as chairman and CEO of FOX News in July 26 following the allegations of sexual harassment. He died May 18, days after suffering a fall and hitting his head.

At several points during the 12-minute speech, Smith got choked up, at times pausing to use a tissue. Watch the emotional monologue here.