One of the most powerful men in the entire entertainment industry is facing accusations of sexual misconduct.
According to an article in The New Yorker by Ronan Farrow, the 68-year-old allegedly kissed and touched women without their consent, on multiple occasions.
The damaging expose touches on incidents that go back 20 years in some cases, while also delving into broader cultural issues at CBS.
Moonves has worked as the chairman of this network since February of 2016.
Said the company in a statement shortly after news of Moonves’ alleged misdeeds went public:
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.
It added in this statement:
The timing of this report comes in the midst of the Company’s very public legal dispute. While that litigation process continues, the CBS management team has the full support of the independent board members.
Along with that team, we will continue to focus on creating value for our shareowners.
Moonves has been married to CBS talk show host Julie Chen since 2004.
After filling a number of executive positions at CBS beginning in 1995, he served as co-president and co-CEO of CBS Corporation predecessor Viacom, Inc., from 2004 until the company split at the end of 2005.
Just over two years ago, he replaced Sumner M. Redstone as the head of the network.
Farrow, meanwhile, is the same reporter who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for his scathing story on Harvey Weinstein.
He wrote in extreme detail about how the veteran movie producer would allegedly abuse and assault an endless array of women over the many decades he worked in Hollywood.
As chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation, Moonves oversees all operations, including the CBS Television Network, Showtime, The CW, CBS Television Studios and CBS Interactive.
As part of his legacy, the network has been the most-watched network for 10 straight seasons and 15 out of the past 16 years.
He is yet to comment on these allegations.
But Moonves is merely the latest major name in this industry to be accused of sexual misconduct, as women across the nation respond to the #MeToo movement by gaining the confidence needed to speak out against their abusers.
Good for them, we say.
And if any of the allegations against Moonves are true, then very very very very bad for him.
