In a staff-wide email, interim CBS Corp. chief executive Joseph Ianniello did not mention the sexual harassment and assault accusations that prompted his appointment in his predecessor, Les Moonves’, stead, and only briefly touched on the pervasive cultural problems that plague the company.
According to the Huffington Post, which obtained a copy of the email, Ianniello mentions Moonves without citing the reason he left his role.
“I have been with this company for 21 years, and I look forward to providing continuity and stability, while at the same time fostering our culture of innovation,” wrote Ianniello. “Today also marks a major transition for all of us as Leslie Moonves departs from CBS. Les’ departure occurs at a time when we are operating from a position of great strategic strength.”
Moonves, who has now been accused by 12 women of various charges of sexual harassment, abuse and retribution, is being allowed to stay on in an advisory role until investigations conducted by outside law firms into his conduct are completed. He could also pocket as much as $120 million in severance on his way out, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Moonves has admitted that he made “mistakes” but denied “misusing” his position to “harm or hinder anyone’s career.”
Ianniello barely paid lip service to the broader culture of sexual harassment at CBS, a glaring part of which is Jeff Fager, executive producer of “60 Minutes,” who has been accused of sexual misconduct by seven women but who remains in his role.
“Of course, also at the core of any company is its culture,” Ianniello wrote in his email. “And never has it been more important for us to make it abundantly clear that CBS has a steadfast commitment to diversity, inclusion and a safe and positive working environment. This is an integral part of our growth plan as together we unlock the immense talents across our entire employee base.”
Read the entire email here.
