NBC News honchos have addressed the troops about Matt Lauer’s firing, and they said they have to do a better job letting alleged victims know they can safely report sexual harassment and assault. NBC sources tell us in one of the meetings NBC News…
Showing posts with label Harassment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harassment. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Al Franken Smiles and Poses for Photo with Students Amid Harassment Allegations
Al Franken’s still Mr. Popular in D.C. … at least to a group of students eager to take a picture with the Senator. We got Sen. Franken on Capitol Hill Tuesday looking to be in good spirits as he posed for a photo with some happy students from…
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Carly Fiorina Says Congress Isn"t Treating Sexual Harassment Seriously
Carly Fiorina thinks the response by Congress to sexual harassment is a joke. We got the former presidential candidate Sunday in downtown Washington D.C., and she scoffs at the current rules for reporting sexual harassment — which, among other…
"The Royals" Star William Moseley Worries About Show"s Fate After Sexual Harassment Scandal
William Moseley lost his wallet Saturday … and he’s worried about losing his show, “The Royals.” We got William at LAX where he was on the hunt for his wallet .. seems he left it on the plane. The actor is reeling from allegations the show’s…
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Charlie Rose Says He Didn"t Commit "Wrongdoings" Amid Harassment Accusations
Charlie Rose seemed the worse for wear as he walked home Monday after getting benched from all of his gigs, and he seemed to take issue with the characterization that he did something wrong. A photog got Rose entering his New York City apartment…
Charlie Rose Suspended By CBS Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations (UPDATE)
2:56 PM PT — CBS News has suspended Rose and PBS will halt production and distribution of his show. Charlie Rose — one of the most famous journalists in the country — has just been accused of sexual harassment … and he’s apologizing for the…
Charlie Rose Responds to Allegations of Pervasive Sexual Harassment
The long and heretofore illustrious career of Charlie Rose may be over.
The veteran journalist has been suspended by PBS and CBS amidst accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
The accusations have been made by eight different women.
In a bombshell report published on Monday by The Washington Post, these alleged victims shared eerily similar stories about how the reporter would act in horribly inappropriate ways toward them.
There are accusations that Rose would place sexually explicit phone calls… expose his genitalia… and grope the women without their permission.
Three of the women spoke on the record, while five spoke on the condition of anonymity.
But all expressed stories that detailed how Rose would either walk out of a shower, naked, in their presence; and/or would grope their buttocks at company parties; and/or place his hand on their upper thigh, awaiting a reaction.
Said Reah Bravo, who worked as an intern and then associate producer for Rose’s PBS show beginning in 2007:
“It has taken 10 years and a fierce moment of cultural reckoning for me to understand these moments for what they were.
“He was a sexual predator, and I was his victim.”
The women were employees or aspired to work for Rose at The Charlie Rose Show from the late 1990s to as recently as 2011.
They ranged in age from 21 to 37 at the time of the reported encounters.
Rose is 75 years old and his one-on-one interview program airs on PBS and Bloomberg TV.
He also co-hosts CBS This Morning and is a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes.
“In my 45 years in journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked,” Rose said in a statement to the Washington Post, adding:
“Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.”
He continued as follows:
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.
Shortly after news of Rose’s allegations broke, PBS announced it is stopping production on the anchor’s self-titled program.
Meanwhile, CBS News has also suspended him from his regular duties.
Rose is the latest major name to be accused of sexual harassment or misconduct.
Several weeks ago, allegations of assault were leveled by countless women against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
Since then, women around the country have been empowered to speak up, with stories popping up nearly everyday about allegedly heinous acts committed by such stars as Kevin Spacey, Louis C.K. and Jeffrey Tambor.
We salute these victims for coming forward.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Jeffrey Tambor Quits Transparent Amidst Sexual Harassment Scandal
Jeffrey Tambor has dropped out of Transparent.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, who has been accused of sexual harassment by two women who worked on the Amazon series, released a statement along with his resignation that was anything, but…well…
… resigned.
Quite the opposite, in fact, as Tambor did not admit to any wrongdoing, while lashing out at the toxic environment that he says has engulfed the critically-acclaimed program.
Transparent recently wrapped up its fourth season.
“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” Tambor said in his statement.
He added:
“What has become clear over the past weeks, however, is that this is no longer the job I signed up for four years ago.
“I’ve already made clear my deep regret if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone as being aggressive, but the idea that I would deliberately harass anyone is simply and utterly untrue.
“Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”
Among other allegations, Tambor has been accused by a transgender co-star of making lewd, sexually suggestive remarks.
This same co-star says the actor even pressed up against her in a sexual, suggestive manner.
A former assistant has also made troubling claims against the veteran star.
In a previous statement, Tambor said the following:
“I know I haven’t always been the easiest person to work with. I can be volatile and ill-tempered, and too often I express my opinions harshly and without tact.
“But I have never been a predator — ever.”
In the wake of these disturbing allegations, Amazon announced it was investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, numerous individuals and groups – including Transparent writer-producer Our Lady J and GLAAD – have called for the show to continue without Tambor.
Neither creator Jill Solloway nor Amazon has commented since Tambor announced he is leaving the show.
The veteran actor has won a pair of Emmys for his portrayal of Maura, while he also brought two other iconic television characters to life:
1. Hank Kingsley on The Larry Sanders Show.
2. George Bluth on Arrested Development.
Transparent now becomes the second award-winning series to face an uncertain future in the wake of its lead star being accused of sexual harassment or misconduct.
After Kevin Spacey faced on specific claim of attempted sexual assault, along with multiple allegations of creating uncomfortable working conditions on House of Cards, Netflix let the actor go.
It’s unclear just how or when the show will continue.
And the same can be said of Transparent.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Jeffrey Tambor Quits "Transparent" Show Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Jeffrey Tambor is quitting the show “Transparent” — which he starred in as the lead role for years — after sexual harassment allegations were made against him. Tambor released a statement to Deadline Sunday saying playing the transgender…
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Ryan Seacrest Has Now Been Accused of Sexual Harassment
Ryan Seacrest is the latest famous name to face allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ubiquitous TV and radio personality has been accused of acting inappropriately with a former stylist.
This same publication reports that the the alleged victim made a substantial financial request of Seacrest in exchange for her silence.
The American Idol emcee and Kelly Ripa co-host refused said request.
The unnamed woman worked as a wardrobe stylist for E! and says the incident took place about 10 years ago.
No details about her claims against Seacrest have been made public.
A spokesperson for E!, however, has confirmed that the cable network is conducting an investigation into the matter.
And Seacrest has released a lengthy statement in his own defense.
It reads as follows:
Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her.
If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry.
I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result.
I treat all my colleagues with kindness, dignity, and understanding, as this is a principle that’s core to who I am.
Throughout my 25 years in the entertainment industry, the majority of my co-workers have been women, and I’ve endeavored to foster a positive work environment of mutual respect and courtesy, as that’s how I believe it should be.
I’m distraught that anyone or any situation would call that into question.
I’m proud of my workplace reputation, and believe my track record will speak for itself. I’m an advocate for women.
I will continue to support their voices.
Seacrest, of course, is a very busy and successful producer and host.
He currently sits each morning opposite Ripa on Live With Kelly and Ryan” weekday mornings on ABC; is scheduled to serve as host of that network’s upcoming revival of American Idol next spring.
This news comes amid a wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations that have rocked Hollywood over the pastfew weeks, starting with back-to-back bombshell reports in The New York Times and The New Yorker that detailed allegations of sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein.
Since then, accusations of misconduct have been leveled against such significant stars as Kevin Spacey, Lous C.K. and Jeffrey Tambor, just to name a few.
We’ll update this story with more details as news breaks.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Stephen Colbert Grills Ben Affleck on Sexual Harassment Allegations
In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sex scandals, numerous Hollywood power players have been taken to task for their deplorable behavior toward women, minors, and others in vulnerable positions.
Some were complicit in Weintstein’s behavior, while others engaged in abuse and harassment of their own that was brought to light thanks to the example set by the disgraced mogul’s courageous accusers.
Ben Affleck falls into both categories.
Along with his childhood friend Matt Damon, Affleck rose to prominence with his performance in Goodwill Hunting, a film he also co-wrote with Damon, earning them a pair of Best Original Screenplay Oscars.
Like so many other films produced conglomerate-owned “indie” studios in the early ’90s, Hunting was ushered into existence by Harney Weinstein.
So like Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, and many others, Affleck and Damon were faced with some difficult questions following the revelations of Weinstein’s rampant abuse.
Primarily, the public wanted to know if these men were aware of Weinstein’s behavior and if they took any steps to prevent it.
Before he even had a chance to issue response, however, Affleck was accused of groping an MTV host and behaving inappropriately with a Canadian entertainment journalist.
The father of three laid low for a few weeks after that, and it’s been widely rumored that Affleck checked back into rehab recently.
Of course, Affleck long ago made the leap from indie darling to superhero franchise anchor, which means that when promotional obligations arise, he doesn’t have the option of keeping a low profile, even when he’s riding out a scandal.
As such, Affleck stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night for an interview with a host whose been outspoken in his disgust with the recent round of appalling reports coming out of Hollywood.
“I don’t remember it, but I absolutely apologized for it,” Affleck responded in response to Colbert’s question about allegations that he groped Hilarie Burton back in 2003.
“I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up,” he added.
“It’s just the kind of thing that we have to as men, I think, as we become more aware of this, be really, really mindful of our behavior and hold ourselves accountable and say, ‘If I was ever part of the problem, I want to change. I want to be part of the solution,’ and to not shy away from these uncomfortable or awkward or strange encounters that we might’ve had where we were sort of navigating and not knowing.”
It’s a bit odd that Affleck suggested there might be any doubt as to whether or not the incident took place, considering it was caught on camera, but … at least he’s trying?
Asked about his ties to Weinstein, Affleck had this to say:
“It was awful to see the extent of these terrible crimes and it was hideous. I haven’t worked for Harvey in more than 15 years, but nonetheless, I felt this attachment.
“I did movies like Good Will Hunting, Shakespeare in Love and Chasing Amy – early movies that I really loved doing, when I still was totally brand new.
“And so it sort of rained that a little bit to realize while we were having these experiences and making these movies, there were people who ere suffering and dealing with awful experiences. I didn’t really know what to do with that, you know? It’s hard to know.”
Again, it would have been better if Ben didn’t feel the need to preface his remarks with a lame attempt at self-absolution (“Sure Harvey basically kicked off my career, but we haven’t worked together … since I was in my thirties!”) but at least he’s taking part in this crucial conversation.
The fact is, that in the weeks to follow more stars and power players, some of whom may be deeply beloved by large segments of the population, will be implicated in acts of sexual misconduct of varying severity.
For some, there can be no redemption.
For others may find themselves in positions where forgiveness might be possible, but it certainly won’t come easy.
Ben’s right when he says men in all industries and of all orientations must be more mindful of his behavior.
We just wish his comments didn’t come on the heels of a whole lot of back-pedaling and justification.
Elliott Gould Defends Al Franken Amid Groping, Harassment Allegation
Elliott Gould doesn’t think Sen. Al Franken’s career deserves to be sunk by Leeann Tweeden revealing he groped her in 2006 … because that mistake doesn’t define his friend. The actor’s been tight with Franken long before his…
Jeffrey Tambor Accused of Sexual Harassment by Fellow "Transparent" Actor Trace Lysette
Jeffrey Tambor is once again facing allegations of sexual harassment … and once again by a person who happens to be transgender. Fellow “Transparent” actor Trace Lysette — who plays Shea on the Amazon TV series — claims Tambor made lewd,…
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Tony Gonzalez Says Hollywood Harassment Scandals Have Made Locker Rooms Safer
Tony Gonzalez says he was never sexually harassed in an NFL locker room … but he’s glad all the Hollywood scandals are putting athletes on notice. “Stuff has changed. You gotta be more careful, and it’s a good thing,” Tony told TMZ Sports.…
Calls for Sen. Al Franken Probe After Leeann Tweeden Makes Sexual Harassment Claim
Sen. Al Franken may face an Ethics Committee review in the wake of claims he groped and sexually harassed radio host and former model Leeann Tweeden. Tweeden released a 2006 photo of Franken — who was not then elected — groping, or at least…
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Congresswoman Jackie Speier, We"ve Been Working on D.C. Sexual Harassment Way Before Weinstein
Congresswoman Jackie Speier says it didn’t take Harvey Weinstein to focus her on sexual harassment in D.C. … but she’s still playing her cards close to her vest. We got the California Representative Tuesday on Capitol Hill, after she announced…
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Rick Santorum Says Hollywood"s Just as Bad as Washington D.C. on Sexual Harassment
Rick Santorum says Hollywood turned a blind eye to sexual misconduct for decades, and that it’s no better than D.C. … even if it likes to pretend it is today. We got the former U.S. Senator Sunday where we asked about the torrent of sexual…
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Louis C.K. Accused of Sexual Harassment By 5 Women
Earlier today, several media outlets reported that a premiere event for Louis C.K.’s controversial new film, I Love You Daddy, had been canceled due to forthcoming allegations against the comic.
Moments ago, The New York Times confirmed the story with a piece detailing accusations against C.K. from five female colleagues.
Rumors about C.K. sexually assaulting female comics have been circulating for years, but now the alleged victims are telling their stories for the first time.
The first reported incident reportedly took place in Aspen in 2002.
Chicago-based comics Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov claim that after they performed at the city’s Comedy Arts festival, they were invited by C.K. to his hotel room to celebrate.
The women say they felt safe, as they knew they would be together at the hotel, and both were longtime fans of C.K.’s work.
Moments after they arrived in his room, however, C.K. allegedly asked if he could take out his penis.
Goodman and Wolov say they thought C.K. was joking at first, and were stunned when he proceeded to expose himself.
“And then he really did it,” Goodman tells the Times.
“He proceeded to take all of his clothes off, and get completely naked, and started masturbating.”
A woman named Abby Schachner tells a similar tale.
Schachner claims that in 2003, C.K. called to invite her to one of his comedy shows, and she could hear him masturbating as they spoke on the phone.
Another comedian, Rebecca Corry, says that she met C.K. in 2005 while they were filming a TV pilot together.
She claims the comic asked if he could masturbate in front of her, but she declined.
C.K. addressed the allegations against him indirectly in a 2016 interview with Vulture, saying:
“There’s one more thing I want to say about this, and it’s important: If you need your public profile to be all positive, you’re sick in the head,” he told the outlet.
Today, the comic is declining to speak on his own behalf, and has instead issued a terse statement through his PR team.
“Louis is not going to answer any questions,” publicist Lewis Kay tells the Times.
Reaction on social media has been mixed, as despite the fact that the allegations against C.K. have been something of an open secret for years, many fans who weren’t aware of the rumors are expressing shock and confusion today.
This may be partially due to C.K.’s meek, self-deprecating stage persona, which doesn’t seem to fit the standard profile of an abuser.
In this way, the situation serves as a reminder that just as victims of sexual misconduct come in all ages, races, shapes, and sizes, so too do the perpetrators.
We’ll have further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Amazon Investigates Jeffrey Tambor for Alleged Sexual Harassment
Jeffrey Tambor is being investigated by Amazon over sexual harassment claims made by his ex-assistant, who happens to be transgender — but Jeffrey’s calling BS. The former assistant, Van Barnes, made the claim about Tambor on Facebook … saying…
Mariah Carey Accused of Sexual Harassment, Only Liking "Black Guys"
We’ve known for awhile now that Mariah Carey wasn’t very good at singing live.
But we had no idea she was also so terrible at treating people with respect.
This is what a security company alleges, at least, as its owner has threatened to sue the legendary artist for sexual harassment and general misconduct.
According to TMZ, an attorney for Michael Anello is preparing a legal draft in which Anello claims his company did work for Mariah for about two years, starting in June of 2015.
The initial aspect of the official complaint focuses on a supposedly outstanding balance of $ 221,329.51 that Anello alleges he is owed.
He also says Carey promised him two more years of work that would add $ 511,000 to the stiffed tab.
But the issues Anello takes with Mariah go beyond mere money.
He claims the singer often referred to him and his colleagues as members of hate groups, such as the KKK, while also making it clear she “wanted to be surrounded with black guys, not white people.”
The draft lawsuit goes on to allege Carey of sexual harassment, claiming she committed “sexual acts with the intent that they be viewed by Anello.”
Meaning what, exactly?
Anello says, for example, that during a trip to Cabo San Lucas, the star asked him to come to her hotel room to move some luggage.
Simple enough, right?
However, when he got there, she was wearing see-through lingerie that was open and pretty much exposing everything.
He says he tried leaving… but she insisted he move the aforementioned luggage.
Weird and random, but Mariah Carey has long been known to be kind of weird and random.
Those associated with Carey say the singer is willing to settle a few invoices with her ex-employee, but Anello isn’t satisfied with the offers thus far.
The actual filing of the lawsuit is on hold, though, due to these settlement negotiations.
In other unexpected Mariah Carey news, meanwhile, Page Six has learned that the artist recently underwent gastric sleeve surgery in Beverly Hills.
An insider says that “criticism online from body shamers” caused Carey to become self-critical and led to a procedure that involves removing part of one’s stomach.
“Mariah underwent the procedure about a month ago, and she is already seeing some good results, and she feels a lot better,” this source tells The New York Post.
Safe to say we didn’t see either of these Mariah Carey stories coming when we woke up this morning.
What about you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)