Nov. 20 (UPI) — PBS and CBS News announced Monday they suspended veteran broadcast journalist Charlie Rose after eight women said he sexually harassed them.
The accusers — who were former employees or people who sought jobs from Rose — told The Washington Post the newsman acted inappropriately toward them between the late 1990s and 2011. Allegations included groping, making lewd phone calls and walking around nude in front of them.
“PBS was shocked to learn today of these deeply disturbing allegations. We are immediately suspending distribution of ‘Charlie Rose,'” the public broadcaster said. “‘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.”
CBS News also released a statement to Variety saying the organization suspended Rose while it investigates the allegations.
Rose, 75, has hosted his eponymous interview program since 1991 and has been a co-anchor on “CBS This Morning” since 2012. He also occasionally fills in as anchor of “CBS Evening News.”
Rose issued a statement to the Post saying he has advocated the careers of women during his 45 years in journalism.
“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,” he said. “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.”
News of Rose’s suspension came after The New York Times removed its White House reporter, Glenn Thrush, from his beat.
Four female journalists accused the 50-year-old journalist of unwanted kissing and touching in a report by Vox.
“The behavior attributed to Glenn in this Vox story is very concerning and not in keeping with the standards and values of The New York Times,” the newspaper said in a statement on Monday. “We intend to fully investigate and while we do, Glenn will be suspended.”
