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CBS titan Moonves accused of sexual misconduct
NEW YORK, July 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – A bombshell article published in The
New Yorker on Friday accused CBS chairman and chief executive, Leslie
Moonves, of sexual misconduct stretching back decades and painted a broader
picture of similar behavior within the most watched US television network.
The article makes Moonves, a distinguished executive who transformed CBS
into a ratings winner, one of the most powerful American men implicated in
the #MeToo era that ignited last year after the career implosion of Harvey
Weinstein.
CBS announced that it had launched an investigation into the “recently
reported” alleged misconduct. Reports about the story sent CBS shares
tumbling more than six percent, hours before it was even published.
Six women who had professional dealings with Moonves told the magazine
that he sexually harassed them between the 1980s and late 2000s.
Moonves, 68, joined CBS in 1995 from Warner Bros. Television, where his
team developed hit shows such as “Friends” and “ER.”
Four described forcible touching or kissing during business meetings, and
two said Moonves physically intimidated them or threatened to derail their
careers, The New Yorker’s Ronan Farrow reported.
“I recognize that there were times decades ago when I may have made some
women uncomfortable by making advances. Those were mistakes, and I regret
them immensely,” Moonves said in a statement obtained by AFP.
“But I always understood and respected — and abided by the principle —
that ‘no’ means ‘no,’ and I have never misused my position to harm or hinder
anyone’s career,” he added.
– ‘Appropriate action’ –
The New Yorker said 30 current or former employees complained that such
behavior extended from Moonves to other parts of the corporation, including
CBS News and its flagship investigative program “60 Minutes.”
But his wife, Julie Chen, whom he married in 2004 and who is the host of
“Big Brother” on CBS, said she fully supported her husband.
“Leslie is a good man and a loving father, devoted husband and inspiring
corporate leader. He has always been a kind, decent and moral human being,”
she said on Twitter.
Men at CBS News accused of sexual misconduct were promoted, even as the
company paid settlements to women with complaints, The New Yorker also
reported, suggesting a wider toxic environment at the network.
In a statement sent to AFP, CBS suggested the article did not accurately
reflect a company that “does its best to treat its tens of thousands of
employees with dignity and respect.”
The corporation’s board of directors had earlier issued a pre-emptive
statement, saying that upon conclusion of its investigation, it would
“promptly review the findings and take appropriate action.”
In November, CBS News sacked Charlie Rose, at the time one of the most
respected TV journalists in the United States, after eight women told The
Washington Post he had made unwanted sexual advances.
– Legal battle –
Farrow shared a Pulitzer Prize with The New York Times for his reporting
on Weinstein, which galvanized the #MeToo movement to quash pervasive sexual
harassment in showbiz and other industries.
The son of actress Mia Farrow and film director Woody Allen said Friday
his latest article was the product of an eight-month investigation. In May,
he uncovered allegations of physical assault that forced New York state
prosecutor Eric Schneiderman to resign.
Farrow’s latest expose raised speculation that Moonves might also be
forced to step aside. Nor was it clear what impact it would have on a legal
battle for control of the US television giant — between the Redstone family,
which controls CBS, and the board, chaired by Moonves.
Shari Redstone is a major shareholder of both CBS and Viacom, and is
seeking to merge the two companies. Moonves opposes the deal.
As chairman, Moonves oversees all operations of the company, which include
the CBS Television Network, premium cable service Showtime, and the Simon &
Schuster publishing company.
He has launched primetime CBS hits such as “Everybody Loves Raymond,”
“Survivor” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
He was promoted to president and CEO of CBS Television in 1998, and became
chairman in 2003. A one-time actor, he is father to four children. Chen is
his second wife.
Last year, CBS was the most watched network in the United States, although
it dropped into third place, behind NBC and Fox for adults aged 18-49.
BSs/AFP/GMR/0943 hrs