Moonves’ settlement package will be withheld pending results of a CBS probe
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Les Moonves, chief executive of CBS, has resigned from the media company, hours after new allegations of sexual harassment surfaced involving the embattled CEO.
On Sunday, the New Yorker published a new raft of sexual misconduct claims involving Moonves. The allegations, spanning 15 years and six alleged victims, range from unwanted advances to forced kissing, forced oral sex and even physical abuse.
The claims come weeks after similar sexual harassment accusations were made against the CBS executive by six other women.
Moonves denied his involvement in the allegations, calling the latest accusations “appalling”.
“Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am,” he said.
A CBS spokesperson said that the company had reached a settlement with Moonves, in which the former CEO would have to leave the company Monday. Moonves’ settlement package will be withheld by the company pending the results of its ongoing independent investigation into the allegations.
The Financial Times speculated that Moonves’ decision to step down would secure him a sizable severance package with stock options. This has not been confirmed by CBS.
CBS operating chief Joseph Ianniello will assume the role of president and acting CEO following Moonves’ departure.
Moonves joined CBS in July 1995, serving as president of CBS Entertainment. He was made president and CEO of CBS Television before being promoted to chairman and CEO of CBS in 2003.