Les Moonves exits as CBS boss

CBS CEO and Chairman Leslie Moonves has stepped down after six more women accused him of sexual misconduct and intimidation, in a new report in the New Yorker.

Moonves is one of America’s most powerful Television executives, a company man of 24 years who has has had a knack for picking hit shows like Survivor and The Big Bang Theory.

Joseph Ianniello, CBS’ chief operating officer, has been appointed president and acting CEO.

CBS made the departure announcement early on Sunday evening and said that Moonves and the company will donate $20 million to organisations that support the #MeToo movement. That money will be deducted from any Moonves severance package, which will be determined after an external investigation. But the Time’s Up movement has criticised any severance payout.

A previous New Yorker report detailed accusations from six other women, and CBS launched an investigation last month.

The latest report by Ronan Farrow includes allegations that Moonves, 68, forced oral sex, exposed himself, committed violent acts and derailed careers in incidents that occurred from the 1980s to the early 2000s.

Moonves, in a statement to The New Yorker, acknowledged three encounters before his tenure at CBS, but said they were consensual and added: “The appalling accusations in this article are untrue. …And I have never used my position to hinder the advancement or careers of women. …I can only surmise they are surfacing now for the first time, decades later, as part of a concerted effort by others to destroy my name, my reputation, and my career.”

CBS cited the ongoing investigation and would not comment on Moonves’ status.

“CBS takes these allegations very seriously. Our Board of Directors is conducting a thorough investigation of these matters, which is ongoing,” CBS said in a statement. A representative for the CBS board reiterated the focus on the investigation in a separate statement. “The CBS Board of Directors is committed to a thorough and independent investigation of the allegations, and that investigation is actively underway,” a spokesman said.

The accusations and investigation take place as CBS and Moonves have been waging a legal battle to prevent a merger with another media giant, Viacom.

Also among the announcements was the news that CBS has reached a settlement agreement with National Amusements Inc. and that five current independent directors and one NAI-affiliated director have stepped down from the board.

“In addition, NAI confirmed that it has no plans to propose a merger of CBS and Viacom and has agreed that it will make no such proposal for at least two years after the date of the settlement,” the announcement said. “NAI reaffirmed that it will give good faith consideration to any business combination transaction or other strategic alternative that the independent directors believe are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.”

CBS is parent company of Network TEN.

Updated:

Moonves’ statement:

“For the past 24 years it has been an incredible privilege to lead CBS’s renaissance and transformation into a leading global media company. The best part of this journey has been working alongside the dedicated and talented people in this company. Together, we built CBS into a destination where the best in the business come to work and succeed.

Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am.  Effective immediately I will no longer be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS.

I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company. I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees.”

Source: USA Today Variety, Hollywood Reporter