Content warning: this article contains discussion of sexual assault.
CBS chairman Leslie Moonves has been accused of sexual misconduct by six women. Allegations of sexual misconduct, intimidation and retaliation have been unearthed in an investigative report by Ronan Farrow for The New Yorker. The same publication that initially published reports on Harvey Weinstein.
Actress Illeana Douglas (Goodfellas, Cape Fear) is amongst one of six women who has come out with these allegations. The actress told The New Yorker that Moonves fired her from a comedy pilot after she refused one of his advances. Douglas has detailed a meeting she had with Moonves in which he forcefully held her down on a couch and kissed her without consent. She told The New Yorker “The physicality of it was horrendous, you think, how long is this going to go on? I couldn’t get him off me.”
Les Moonves has responded to the claims of harassment with the following statement:
“Throughout my time at CBS, we have promoted a culture of respect and opportunity for all employees, and have consistently found success elevating women to top executive positions across our company. 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. 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. This is a time when we all are appropriately focused on how we help improve our society, and we at CBS are committed to being part of the solution.”
The CBS board of directors have announced a statement addressing the allegations and have announced that an investigation is underway “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.”
Moonves is one of the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry. His current position within the CBS remains unclear.
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