CBS board mulls Moonves’ future following sexual harassment claims

The board of CBS Corporation is set to meet today to determine how the company will formally react to recent sexual harassment allegations aimed at CBS chief Leslie Moonves.

Les Moonves

The move arrives after six women detailed cases of sexual harassment on a report published by Ronan Farrow on The New Yorker. Farrow is the same reporter to have revealed a string of harassment claims against Harvey Weinstein.

Six women, including Six Feet Under star Illeana Douglas, have claimed that Moonves forcibly kissed and touched them in the workplace and, in some cases, retaliated against them professionally when he was rejected.

In response Moonves said to The New Yorker: “Throughout my time at CBS, we have promoted a culture of respect and opportunity for all employees, and have consistently found success elevating women to top executive positions across our company.

“I recognize that there were times decades ago when I may have made some women uncomfortable by making advances. Those were mistakes, and I regret them immensely. But I always understood and respected—and abided by the principle—that ‘no’ means ‘no,’ and I have never misused my position to harm or hinder anyone’s career. “

Despite the fact that CBS have said that no misconduct claims and settlements have been made against Moonves during his 24-years at the network, The New York times has revealed that two of the board’s 14 members have questioned whether Moonves should continue to run the company during an internal investigation.

The board will smooth out details, including the scope of the inquiry, during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, according to The New York Times.

Moonves has been chief executive of the company since 2006, and held management roles for near 30 years. He has been key to transforming CBS in a turnaround effort with titles like The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon.

Most recently Moonves has taken part in a legal battle with Shari Redstone, the leader of CBS’ parent company, National Amusements over a potential merger between CBS and Viacom. Redstone, who is vice chairwoman of the CBS board, will be participating in today’s board meeting.