A media report coming out Friday is expected to accuse CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves of sexual misconduct throughout his two decades with the network, according to multiple reports.
Ronan Farrow, the reporter whose 2017 stories unearthed accusations of sexual harassment and rape against Harvey Weinstein and others in the entertainment industry, will publish a story Friday afternoon detailing how Moonves, 68, allegedly kissed and touched women against their will.
Some incidents in Farrow’s story date back two decades when Moonves started at the network, while others are more recent.
The New Yorker story is also expected to examine the CBS culture as a whole.
The news sent CBS’ stock down 6 percent to just above $54 per share as of mid-Friday.
CBS told the Hollywood Reporter it is looking into the claims.
“All allegations of personal misconduct are to be taken seriously,” the network said in a statement. “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.
“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,” it added.
Moonves’ company is in the middle of a legal fight with CBS vice chair Shari Redstone, whose company oversees the network.
Under Moonves’ leadership, CBS produced a plethora of primetime television hits, including “The Big Bang Theory,” “CSI,” “Survivor,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Moonves married CBS personality Julie Chen in 2004.
