CBS News Suspends Anchor Charlie Rose Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- TV newsman Charlie Rose is accused of sexual harassment, groping, and lewd conduct.

The Washington Post is reporting that eight women have come forward claiming Rose, 75, made unwanted sexual advances toward them including lewd phone calls and walking around naked.

The incidents allegedly happened between the 1990s and 2011, and involved women who worked for the Charlie Rose Show on PBS.

Rose is also one of the hosts of CBS This Morning and has been a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes for nearly a decade.

The women who spoke to the Post worked for Charlie Rose Inc., not CBS or PBS. Five of them described Rose, who Time Magazine named one of their 100 Most Influential People in 2014, putting his hand on their legs to test their reaction. Two said while working for him in his home or while traveling on business with him, he came out of the shower walking naked in front of them.

In a statement posted to his Twitter page, Rose wrote in part; "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 all these allegations are accurate," Rose told the Post.

A spokesman says PBS was shocked to learn of the disturbing allegations and is immediately suspending distribution of his program. Rose has also been suspended as host of CBS This Morning.

In:
• The Washington Post