Six months ago, CBS television anchor Charlie Rose was fired after eight women came forward with sexual harassment claims. The women accused Rose of sexual misconduct including groping, lewd remarks and inappropriately exposing himself while they worked for him on his PBS show, Charlie Rose, from the late 90’s to 2011. The show has since been suspended and after an investigation into the allegations, CBS terminated Rose. Now, 27 additional women are coming forward with similar reports of alleged sexual harassment.
The additional reports of sexual harassment by Rose span across three decades and date back to 1976. One of Rose’s former research assistants said that he exposed himself and groped her while they worked together at the NBC News Washington bureau. A former news clerk claims that when she reported Rose’s lewd, inappropriate comments to a senior producer, she was told that she did not have to be alone with Rose anymore. Also, seven women who worked on a show that Rose co-anchored (Nightwatch) sued CBS in 1986, alleging that the work environment was offensive and hostile to female employees.
One of those women claims that Rose was naked or in the shower when she came to drop material off at his house. Another woman claims that Rose forcibly kissed her at a holiday party in 2011 and yet another woman claims she was sexually harassed by Rose less than a month later. Last year, a CBS employee claimed that Rose often took her out to lunch and bought her wine in addition to commenting on her looks and suggesting that she have sex with another female assistant. The executive producer’s assistant allegedly warned him of a potential lawsuit regarding this relationship, but he denies being informed of any inappropriate behavior between Rose and the CBS employee.
Behavior May Have Spanned Decades
Rose was fired by CBS following an investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment. In addition to his self-titled PBS show, Rose was an anchor on the CBS morning show and a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes for almost a decade. He won Emmy and Peabody awards and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Of Rose’s firing, CBS News’ president said that despite his important journalistic contribution to the program, there is nothing more important than a safe, professional workplace.
Rose apologized for his behavior toward the eight women who initially came forward but denied the accusations of the 27 additional women, saying that reports of their stories were unfair and inaccurate. In a statement, CBS said that it will be working to strengthen existing systems to ensure a safe environment. Following the termination of Rose, the company will continue to take action against unacceptable behavior and look for ways to improve the workplace.
Cherry Hill Sexual Harassment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Promote Harassment-Free Work Environments
If you are an employer seeking to prevent, investigate or defend claims of sexual harassment, or if you are an employee who has experienced workplace harassment, contact an experienced Cherry Hill sexual harassment lawyer at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C.. Our skilled attorneys represent employers and employees in sexual harassment and hostile work environment matters throughout New Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Marlton, Middletown and Red Bank.
Call our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, our Newark office at 973-878-9040, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation.