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New Yorker exposé will detail sexual misconduct allegations involving CBS CEO: report

by Joe Concha 07/27/18 01:08 PM ET

Leslie Moonves, the longtime CEO of CBS, will be accused of sexual misconduct in an upcoming Ronan Farrow exposé in The New Yorker, according to a story in The Hollywood Reporter.

The news of the exposé on Moonves, 68, sent shockwaves through the media and entertainment industries, sending shares of CBS Corp. down more than 6 percent.

The New Yorker’s story will detail allegations that Moonves, who has served as chief executive of CBS since 2003, engaged in sexual misconduct including unwanted touching and kissing, according to The Hollywood Reporter story. The allegations stem from 20 years ago but also involve more recent claims, the Reporter said.

The New Yorker did not immediately reply to a request for comment from The Hill.

CBS said in a statement it is taking the allegations “seriously” while launching its own investigation into the claims.

“All allegations of personal misconduct are to be taken seriously,” the CBS statement reads. “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,” the statement adds. “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.”

“CBS This Morning” co-anchor Charlie Rose was fired from the network following allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women in November.

Farrow was awarded a Pulitzer Prize earlier this year for his investigative report on sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women against former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein was arraigned on charges earlier this month of first- and third-degree rape and committing a criminal sexual act in the first degree. Farrow’s reporting on Weinstein, along with reporting from The New York Times, helped launch the “Me Too” movement.