CBS Honcho Leslie Moonves May Be Next 'MeToo' Casualty

'New Yorker' to publish allegations of sexual misconduct regarding the CEO
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 27, 2018 12:23 PM CDT
Ronan Farrow's New Exposé Target: CBS' Leslie Moonves
A file photo of Leslie Moonves, the CEO of CBS.   (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Ronan Farrow, the journalist whose work helped bring down Harvey Weinstein, has another powerful figure in his sights: Leslie Moonves, the CEO of CBS. To be clear, the story in the New Yorker isn't out yet, but it's expected to be published Friday afternoon, per the Hollywood Reporter. Details are sparse so far, but THR says the piece will raise allegations against Moonves "of unwanted kissing and touching that occurred more than 20 years ago, as well as numerous claims that occurred more recently." CBS' independent board is already out with a statement, saying that it takes all such allegations seriously and is investigating the claims. "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."

Moonves, 68, is "perhaps one of the most influential figures in entertainment," per Deadline, while THR calls him "one of the most powerful men in Hollywood." Even though the story has yet to publish, advance reports about it seem to be taking a toll: CBS shares were down 7%, reports CNBC. The story will publish with Moonves and CBS currently engaged in a nasty legal fight with Shari Redstone, controlling shareholder for both CBS and Viacom, who wants to merge the two companies. Both parties have sued each other in a bid for control, and while CBS shares were sinking, Viacom's were up 4.5%. As the buzz builds, Farrow tweeted this: "A quick reminder that I don’t comment on reporting I haven’t published, and if you’re reading about my work from secondary sources you’re often not getting the full or correct story—especially in cases where parties have an interest in downplaying or otherwise spinning." (More Leslie Moonves stories.)

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