CBS, PBS and Bloomberg have all suspended host Charlie Rose after a The Washington Post report detailed multiple alleged sexual harassment incidents perpetrated by the journalist.
The newspaper said eight women claimed Rose, who hosts the interview program "Charlie Rose" on PBS and Bloomberg as well as "CBS This Morning," made sexual advances towards them between the late 1990s to 2011. The women were between 21 and 37 at the time.
CBS on Monday said it suspended Rose immediately as the network looks into the allegations, calling them "extremely disturbing." Rose is also a contributing correspondent on "60 Minutes."
"CBS This Morning" hosts and correspondents addressed incidents on the Tuesday morning broadcast, saying though it was personal it was important the program covered it.
"This is a moment that demands a frank and honest assessment about where we stand and more generally the safety of women," host Nora O'Donnell said. "Let me be very clear: There is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive."
PBS, likewise, said it had suspended distribution of "Charlie Rose" in light of the accusations. "PBS was shocked to learn today of these deeply disturbing allegations," the broadcaster said in a statement.
PBS added:
"Charlie Rose" is produced by Charlie Rose, Inc., an independent television production company. PBS does not fund this nightly program or supervise its production, but we expect our producers to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect.
In addition Bloomberg is suspending the "Charlie Rose" show as well.
"We are deeply disturbed to learn of these allegations and are immediately suspending the show from airing on Bloomberg TV and Radio," Bloomberg said in a statement.
The Washington Post said eight women claimed Rose, who hosts the PBS interview program "Charlie Rose" as well as "CBS This Morning," made sexual advances towards them between the late 1990s to 2011. The women were between 21 and 37 at the time.
The accounts range from Rose putting his hands on their legs without permission to Rose walking around naked in front of them. He was also accused of groping one woman at a work party.
Rose issued this statement:
"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 he shared with CNBC and tweeted. "Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.
"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."
Read more at The Washington Post.
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