The board of directors at CBS is in the process of selecting an outside law firm to investigate sexual harassment allegations leveled against Chief Executive Leslie Moonves, according to a Monday Wall Street Journal report.
However, the question of whether Moonves should step aside from his role during the probe—which has been a recent topic of discussion at the company—was reportedly not addressed at Monday’s board meeting.
The investigation is a result of a Friday New Yorker article detailing allegations of sexual harassment from six women who worked with Moonves over the years. In the article, Moonves expressed regret for making the women uncomfortable but denied ever retaliating against them professionally after his advances were rejected.
I want to know if there is any substance to the allegations that he punished women who rejected his sexual advances. If he did then he needs to go. I also want to see if any of these women were direct reports. Again if they were he needs to go.
All I ask is we stop painting with a broad brush and look at each of these accusations as individual cases. So far the allegations against Moonves don’t seem to be the same as the allegations against Weinstein or Cosby.
Good. I’m glad it’s an outside group. The majority of these accusations are over 20 years old and involve a forceful kiss. If he derailed their career because of that we will find out.
The Report will conclude: Mr. Moonves’ conduct only rates a score of 5 Caligulas. In comparison, see our comparative Chart at Appendix B, Roger Ailes (15 Caligulas), Matt Lauer (8 Caligulas), Steve Wynn (20 Caligulas), Bill O’Reilly (15 Caligulas). We therefore wring our hands and find that in order to protect it’s shareholders’ interests, CBS should take disciplinary action of some type. Perhaps pay Mr. Moonves a huge severance package and ask him to do CBS a solid and step down from his $70M per year position in order to spend more time with his family and allow new blood to take the helm. Attached is our detailed Statement of Services Rendered which we request that you pay promptly. Our banking details follow.