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Months after CBS fired Charlie Rose over sexual misconduct allegations that have been echoed by dozens of women, the network’s head is now the subject of similar accusations. The New Yorker has published the new investigative report from Ronan Farrow — which was forecast by Hollywood Reporter as including “instances of unwanted kissing and touching.”
Farrow’s report details reports from six women who experienced various forms of sexual harassment at CBS over a span of decades.
Six women who had professional dealings with him told me that, between the nineteen-eighties and the late aughts, Moonves sexually harassed them. Four described forcible touching or kissing during business meetings, in what they said appeared to be a practiced routine. Two told me that Moonves physically intimidated them or threatened to derail their careers. All said that he became cold or hostile after they rejected his advances, and that they believed their careers suffered as a result. “What happened to me was a sexual assault, and then I was fired for not participating,” the actress and writer Illeana Douglas told me. All the women said they still feared that speaking out would lead to retaliation from Moonves, who is known in the industry for his ability to make or break careers. “He has gotten away with it for decades,” the writer Janet Jones, who alleges that she had to shove Moonves off her after he forcibly kissed her at a work meeting, told me. “And it’s just not O.K.”
Prior to the publication of Farrow’s report, the Hollywood Reporter relayed a CBS statement on the matter as the network launched an investigation into Moonves’ alleged behavior while attempting to soothe shareowners:
“All allegations of personal misconduct are to be taken seriously. The Independent Directors of CBS have committed to investigating claims that violate the Company’s clear policies in that regard. Upon the conclusion of that investigation, which involves recently reported allegations that go back several decades, the Board will promptly review the findings and take appropriate action.
The timing of this report comes in the midst of the Company’s very public legal dispute. While that litigation process continues, the CBS management team has the full support of the independent board members. Along with that team, we will continue to focus on creating value for our shareowners.”
Once word of Farrow’s impending report began to circulate, CBS stock immediately nosedived 7 percent within minutes. The damage may be hard to reverse for the network, which undoubtedly has quite the legal battle ahead.
(Via New Yorker & Hollywood Reporter)
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