Well, that didn’t take long.
Less than a day after a report in The Washington Post outlined various ways in which Charlie Rose allegedly harassed eight different women, the veteran journalist has been fired by CBS.
Rose had been suspended by both CBS and PBS immediately after the aforementioned allegations were made public.
These allegations were leveled by victims who claimed, among other explicit behavior, that Rose:
- Walked around naked in front of them.
- Grabbed their buttocks at staff parties.
- Ran his hand up their thigh.
- Placed inappropriate phone calls.
In response, CBS News President David Rhodes now confirms the following:
“A short time ago we terminated Charlie Rose’s employment with CBS News effective immediately.
“This followed the revelation yesterday of extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior said to have revolved around his PBS program.”
Rhodes went on to say he was “deeply disappointed and angry” about the situation, adding:
“Despite Charlie’s important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a sage, professional workplace – a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work.
“We need such a place.”
You can read the full firing statement below:
Rose issued his own statement in reply to The Washington Post bombshell.
It only denied a small part (and nothing specific) of what the women accused him off, saying in further detail:
“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior.
“I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate.
“I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken.
“I have learned a great deal as a result of these events, and I hope others will too.
“All of us, including me, are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past, and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives.”
Rose, 75, was the host of his own interview show on PBS at the time of these allegations.
He was also the co-host of CBS This Morning.
His fellow co-hosts, Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell, made heartfelt speeches at the outset of today’s program, addressing the awkward circumstances.
As you can see below, both seem legitimately affected by what has transpired with their colleague and friend:
Said O’Donnell:
“This is a moment that demands a frank and honest assessment about where we stand and more generally the safety of women.
Let me be very clear:
There is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive and I’ve been doing a lot of listening and I’m going to continue to do that.
This I know is true: Women cannot achieve equality in the workplace or in society until there is a reckoning and a taking of responsibility.
I am really proud to work at CBS News. There are so many incredible people here, especially on this show — all of you here.
This will be investigated. This has to end. This behavior is wrong. Period.
Very well said.
