UPDATE 6:03 P.M. EST: The New Yorker article is out. You can read it HERE.
One of the most powerful men in Hollywood will apparently be accused of sexual misconduct — specifically unwanted kissing and touching — in a forthcoming New Yorker piece that is reportedly set to be published later today.
The piece, an exposé by Ronan Farrow, apparently details serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Leslie Moonves, the chairman and CEO of CBS.
Related: Ed Westwick Skates On THREE Sexual Assault Allegations
Moonves (pictured above, left, with his wife Julie Chen), is apparently only one of the targets of the piece, as sources with knowledge of the as-yet-unpublished article claim it also “delves into the broader culture at CBS,” as it’s set to go live later today on the New Yorker‘s website.
Wow.
Trying to get out ahead of the story now, CBS released a statement confirming they are investigating claims against Moonves (below):
“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.”
That legal dispute, of course, is ongoing litigation between Moonves and Shari Redstone, who is the controlling shareholder in both CBS and Viacom.
Redstone has long wanted to merge the two companies, and Moonves has long resisted, leading to a protracted legal battle that has the network itself in the cross hairs.
Not surprisingly, in a move watched very closely by industry insiders, CBS stock has tumbled in the last couple hours since the first whispers about the forthcoming piece hit the public eye.
Related: Did Anthony Anderson Assault A Woman?
Aside from CBS’ over-arching statement about the investigation (above), Moonves, 68, has yet to personally make his own public statement against the allegations.
As for the story itself, and the allegations therein, we’ll update this post and/or share new information as soon as it comes to light.
[Image via Ivan Nikolov/WENN.]
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