Seattle Times Reporter Suspended After Sending Gross Texts To Female Journalist

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The Seattle Times has suspended reporter Mike Rosenberg after he allegedly sexually harassed a female journalist via Twitter messages.

“Earlier today, The Seattle Times was made aware of allegations of sexual harassment against a news employee,” the Times tweeted from its Public Affairs account Sunday evening. “We have suspended the employee pending an investigation by our human resources group.”

On Sunday, freelance writer Talia Jane posted screenshots of Twitter messages in which Rosenberg first asked about her job prospects, then told her she was “so beautiful,” “hilarious,” followed by: “there is so much cum on your face.”

“This isn’t appropriate or acceptable,” Jane replied.

“Holy shit, you’re entirely right, that wasn’t intended for you, I am incredibly sorry,” Rosenberg said.

“Testing the waters & feigning oopsie is pretty typical in sexual harassment,” Jane tweeted with the screenshot of Rosenberg’s pivot. “So is initiating conversation on the premise of professionalism.”

Rosenberg, who covers the housing beat for the Times, confirmed with Crosscut that he sent the messages but that “they weren’t weren’t supposed to go to her.”

Rosenberg later deleted his Twitter account, which had a prominent following. He was also suspended from the Western Washington chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, of which he is a board member.

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  1. Rosenberg, who covers the housing beat for the Times, confirmed with Crosscut that he sent the messages but that “they weren’t weren’t supposed to go to her.”

    Enjoy bartending. On second thought, don’t.

  2. That photo of him is “hilarious.”

  3. Maybe ‘Driving School’ instructor. Maybe.

  4. Glad the female reporter spoke right up!!

  5. Looks like the Seattle Times will need a reporter for the housing beat.

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